Thirteenth Station of the Cross

Jesus’ body is removed from the cross

                                   

   After His death Joseph of Arimathea, who was secretly a disciple of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for His body for burial.  It was common that the bodies of those crucified would be left on the cross long after their death as a warning to others.  Pilate approved Joseph’s request and our Lord's body was lowered from the cross.

   His body was then 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.

   A rendition of the Pieta is displayed in the vestibule of the church where I attend Mass (pictured above)..  In this version 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 and foretold by Simeon at Jesus’ presentation in the temple (see Luke 2: 22-32).

   Today take a few moments 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 at this moment.  Then, once again, recognize, accept, and seek forgiveness for your own sins which contributed to this moment.