The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. (Matthew 27: 57-60)

Reflection

Jesus was radically stripped of his rights, his dignity, and eventually his life on earth. He was placed into a tomb made on this divine creation we call Earth, a planet that also faces injustices every day. This beautiful gift offered by God provides us with essential elements for life. It provides food, water, shelter, joy, peace, and tranquility, but we continue to take advantage of her resources. The very air we breathe is a gift, but we continue to pollute, destroy, and misuse what God has offered to us.

What can we do as followers of Christ? Our modern lifestyles provide scourges to our planet. We continue to lash away at our natural resources. We are called to be more involved in the care of God’s great creation. We can: recycle, when possible; be mindful of the products we use; strive to care for the earth; oppose destruction of natural habitats; and appreciate all that God has offered us.

Let us pray.

O God, your blessed Son was laid in a tomb in a garden, and rested on the Sabbath day: Grant that we who have been buried with him in waters of baptism may find our perfect rest in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.

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