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 they did not break his legs.  But one of them opened his side with a lance, and immediately there came out blood and water.  (The multitude goes home;  Calvary is left solitary stillness, except for John and Mary and some holy women).  Joseph of Arimathea, because he was a disciple of Jesus (although a secret one for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate permission to take and bury the body of Jesus. The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of his mother.   (Jn. 19: 33-34, 38a)

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 spirit 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.  (Ex. 37: 12 – 14)

Let us pray.  Beloved Savior, You returned to the Father all that He had given You, so that God might restore everything to You a hundred-fold in Your 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 whole in a new resurrection.

Amen.

Processional Song:
Christ she saw with life-blood failing
All her anguish unavailing; saw him breathe his very last.

Stations of the Cross Images courtesy of carmelites.net