Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross

“Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” (cf. Jn 19:25)

“After this, Joseph, a man of Arimathea, asked Pilate for permission to take down the body of Jesus. This Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews. Pilate gave his permission. So Joseph came and took down his body.” (cf. Jn 19:38)

According to the Church's devotional tradition, the Lord's body was laid in his Mother's arms.

Look

Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple, out of fear. Now he hides no longer: he comes to ask Pilate for the Lord's body, and Nicodemus brings spices (cf. Jn 19:39). Tradition contemplates the moment the body is taken down and laid in the arms of his Mother, who had stood near the cross all through that hour. Contemplate it in silence. Those who stayed could work no miracle; they only did the last thing love could still do: hold him, embrace him, not walk away.

Ask your heart

Are you keeping your faith “secretly,” like Joseph, because you worry about what others will think?

One small thing

Choose a fitting way to live your faith openly today: make the Sign of the Cross before a meal, or invite a friend to come to Mass with you.