The Stations of the Cross - Station 13: Jesus is taken down from the cross and given to his mother

Pietà by William-Adolphe Bouguereau © Christie's NY

Source: Christian Art

1st April 2021 - John 19:38`

After this Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body.

Reflection on the Painting ..

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Our Lady, the body of your son has been taken down from the cross. You offered your son to us, even though you knew he was innocent. Your red-rimmed eyes gaze on me, for you have cried so much these past hours. I can see incomprehension and disbelief, but yet resolve and strength.

In your lap you are now holding your son, representing the whole human race. But you are consoled by the surrounding angels, each expressing its individual response to the devastating events.

What is seen is no idealisation of death. No. All this was very real for you, Mary, the agony of the grieving parent. Our Lady, help me so that the divine fire of your son may overwhelm me and dwell within me, always.

Our Father, who art in heaven…

Hail Mary, full of grace…

Glory Be to the Father and to the Son…

(Normal Gospel reading for the day: John 13: 1-15)

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/762
Christian Art - www.christian.art/index.php