Station XIV : Jesus is laid in the tomb

Matthew 27: 57-60

⁵⁷ When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. ⁵⁹So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth ⁶⁰and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away.

Some Background to the Scripture

Abandoned by the apostles, the dead Jesus is buried by a disciple.  According to Jewish ritual, he is placed in a (ritually) clean shroud.

Having completed the burial, Joseph leaves, but verse 61 reports that “⁶¹Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb”.  Through the addition of this verse, Matthew reflects both the fact that there were witnesses and the expectation of resurrection.

Reflection

Genesis shows us that human beings are created by matter but inspired and brought into existence by the very breath of God.  So we are our bodies and we are our souls. And there’s something important and beautiful about that.

If that’s right, then every moment that we have together is in a real sense, a holy moment. Every encounter we have with one another is an encounter that is inspired by the spirit of God. So, animated by the breath of God, human beings are seen to be holy creatures, living among other holy creatures in a world that is holy. That means that your body is holy. Your very bodyliness is sustained by God. Every-body is holy.

Swinton, John, The Theology of Disability – a new way of listening, seeing and belonging Broken Bay Institute 27 June 2011. Viewed 11 May 2016 https://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2014/2014627_1055.shtml

Reflection Question

When was the last time I gave material support to someone in need – people who are ill or homeless or isolated or hungry or frightened (and the list goes on…)

Prayer

O Lord, you search me and you know me.  For it was you who knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you for I am wonderfully made.  Wonderful are all your works. (Prayer is based on Psalm 139)

Response

Father Chris Riley founded ‘Youth Off The Streets’ to give practical help to young people whose future seemed bleak.  Read some of the stories on the website and reflect on how you can support others.