XIII - Jesus is Buried

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.  

There was a man named Joseph, an upright and holy member of the Sanhedrin, who had not been associated with their plan or their action. He was from Arimathea, a Jewish town, and he looked expectantly for the reign of God. This man approached Pilate with a request for Jesus’ body. He took it down, wrapped it in fine linen, and laid it in a tomb hewn out of rock, in which no one had yet been buried. That was the day of preparation and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed along behind. They saw the tomb and how his body was buried. Then they went home to prepare spices and perfumes. They observed the Sabbath as a day of rest, in accordance with the law.(Lk 23:50-56)

Almighty God, it was a sad and lonely group who removed the body of Jesus from the cross. Abandoned by most of his disciples and followers, his body was laid to rest in a borrowed tomb. Father, who would have thought that anyone could give so completely of themself? To the foolish, his death would seem to be his destruction, but through the eyes of faith, his death and resurrection give birth to the joys of new life. Help us accept the trials and misfortunes of this life, filled with hope in the resurrection and eternal life. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus, crucified and risen, have mercy on us.