Friday, the Fourth Week of Lent

Thirteenth Station of the Cross – Jesus’ body is removed from the cross

   Joseph of Arimathea, who was secretly a disciple of Jesus went to Pilate and asked for His body.  It was common that the bodies of those crucified would be left on the cross long after their death.  I suppose the Romans felt it added to the horror if the body remained on the cross.  Thankfully Joseph had the strength to risk exposure of his faith by ensuring this didn’t happen in this case.

   Jesus’ body was removed from the cross and placed in the arms of the Blessed Mother.  Michelangelo depicted this scene in his famous sculpture “The Pieta”.  Imagine the heartache Mary suffered as she held the beaten, bloody body of her Son close to her breast one last time.  Looking closely at the Pieta one can see that the left hand of Mary is not grasping Jesus but is upturned in offering.  Just as she presented Him as an infant at the temple, she again presents Him to us as our Lord and Savior.

   At the Church which I attend the Pieta is replicated in a painting.  In the painting the torn, bloody body of Jesus is more graphically depicted.  Also more evident to me is the anguish on Mary’s face as she holds Him and offers Him to us.  This was the spear that would penetrate her heart foretold by Simeon at Jesus’ presentation in the temple (see Luke 2: 22-32).  Even though Mary knew this was to come, no one can be prepared for such emotional devastation.

   Take some time today to consider this event in Jesus’ passion.  Sit quietly, close your eyes and try to imagine sitting with the Blessed Mother as she cradled Jesus’ body one final time.  Imagine if it were your son or daughter; the pain and agony you would be experiencing.

   Now once again recognize, accept, and seek forgiveness for your own sins which contributed to this moment.