Stations of the Cross – 13th Station

13th Station – Jesus is taken from the Cross

We adore you O Christ and we praise you.

Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

And now a member of the Council arrived, a good and upright man named Joseph. He had not consented to what the others had planned and carried out. He came from Arimathaea, a Jewish town, and he lived in the hope of seeing the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He then took it down, wrapped it in a shroud and put it in a tomb which was hewn in stone and which had never held a body. It was Preparation day and the Sabbath was beginning to grow light.

St Luke’s Gospel 23:50-54

Reflection

“It is finished!” Mary with great tenderness enfolds the child of her womb in her arms. There is silence. The words of Simeon ring true. “This child is destined to be a sign that is rejected”, must have been foremost in Mary’s mind. This scene is called the Deposition – depicting Jesus cradled in his mother’s arms. The frightened centurion said, “Indeed, this man was the Son of God”. That is our faith and Catholic belief. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, son of the living God. Jesus, from your side comes blood and water, reminding us that evil is washed away and life is made whole again. Stay with us always as our companion on the journey of life.

Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, help us to follow you faithfully.