Stations of the Cross, Thirteenth Station

Thirteenth Station

The body of Jesus is taken down from the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,
because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world

When the soldiers came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead so that they did not break his legs, but one of them opened his side with a lance, and immediately there came out blood and water. Joseph of Arimathea, because he was a disciple of Jesus (although a secret one for fear of the Jews), besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus. And Pilate gave permission. (Jn. 19, 33 to 34, 38a)

Reflection: O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them, and I will bring you back to your land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. O my people! I will put my psirit in you that you may live. You shall know then that I am the Lord. I have promised it, and I will do it, says the Lord. (Ezechiel 37, 12 to 14)

Let us pray: Beloved Saviour, You returned to the Father all that He had given You, so that He might restore all to You a hundred-fold in the glorious resurrection. Help us, we beg You, to give generously of ourselves in all that we do for You, so that like You we might be made perfect in a new resurrection.

Click on the picture for a link to an excellently-done corresponding page on the Catholic Stations of the Cross.