Alliance for Catholic Education
Jesus is placed in the tomb
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
John 19:38-41: Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
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.
Prayer: Jesus, by your Spirit may we, like Joseph, show our devotion to you through courage, respect and tenderness. And may we, like Joseph, teach our students to do the same. Kindle in our hearts fervent devotion to you.