The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross – reflections by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC
Narrator: Because it was the preparation day for the Sabbath, Pilate ordered that the body of Jesus be taken down from the cross. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two of Jesus’ followers, removed the body of Jesus and placed it into His mother Mary’s arms. Much anguish came over Mary as she held in her arms the dead body of her Son. This is the same Son she cradled joyously in the manger at Bethlehem. This is the same Son she presented in the temple. Mary had shared so many wonderful and happy times with Jesus, and now He was lying dead in her arms. The woman who had laid His small, life-filled body on the hay in the manger now had to lay His dead and wounded corpse on the hard stone in the tomb. Of all the people who were present at Jesus’ death, Mary most truly understood these terrible moments.
All: Sweet Lord, Mary who carried You in her womb and nursed You at her breast now holds Your lifeless body in her arms and covers Your face with her flowing tears. No one ever loved You as she loved You, and no sorrow is like her sorrow. Your Blessed Mother is the preface of all Your miracles, the strength of believers, and the refuge of sinners. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. O Christ, You are the Savior of the world. Amen.
