Jesus is laid in the tomb
"We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. "
Mark 15: 46-47
So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.
Reflection:
Death without burial was the intended end for the crucified criminal, clinching his worthlessness as a human being. Joseph of Arimathea, then, shows courage in approaching Pilot for permission to bury Jesus. He shows tenderness in preparing Jesus’ body with aloe, myrrh, and linens. And he shows respect in laying Jesus to rest quickly, as was the Jewish custom. This man about whom we know so little teaches us so much about being devoted to Jesus. I challenge you to show this same respect to other people in your every day life. When you show respect to other people, especially the people in need, you are closer to God then you know, and you are following his plan for you.
Prayer:
Jesus, by your Spirit may we, like Joseph, show our devotion to you through courage, respect and tenderness. We pray that you will show us your father's plan for each and every one of us, and pray that you stand beside us the whole way through it. We pray that through the memorial of your passion, we will be motivated to follow God's plan for us as you did.