When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.
Matthew 27:57-60
Reflection Prayer
How painful it must have been for Your mother as Your lifeless body was taken down from the cross, to hold You in the flesh one last time. Due to the kindness of a man named Joseph from Arimathea, You were wrapped in clean linens, and Your body was given its last resting place in the tomb here on earth before the fulfillment of Your resurrection to come.
The women stayed close, carefully observing where You were laid, as they prepared for when they would return to anoint Your body with oils. Sad and distraught were Your followers, but You would soon deliver them from their sadness and bring them great joy.
May we all take the example of Joseph, who in his kindness reached out to assist in defending Your dignity with clean linens, and took it upon himself to find a proper burial place for You. May we seek to always do the right thing, to act regardless of our fear, and treat others with dignity, kindness, and compassion.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, may I seek to care for others, and treat them with respect and dignity, even when it is not popular or even if it could cost me something great. Let no man, woman, or child be a stranger to me or be someone else’s problem. May I see them all as You do, created in the image and likeness of God unique, beautiful, and beloved children of God.
*Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition.