School pupils praying outside,
Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,
because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The bodies of those crucified were usually left on the cross to decay. Joseph of Arimathea has been a secret follower of Jesus, but now he finds the courage to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus’ body. He acts despite the fear he must have felt, to ensure the lifeless body of his teacher is, at least now, treated with dignity and gentleness.
As we gaze on the Lord’s lifeless body, we see too the bodies of refugees washed ashore from the sea, the bloodied victims of conflict and war, and those consumed by the slow violence of poverty.
May we join Joseph in seeking the kingdom of God, where the dignity of all is respected.
Prayer
Jesus, Lord of life,
you descended into death.
May we, the Body of Christ,
cherish the gift of life
and promote the dignity of all people.
Amen.
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