Station 13

From the twelfth Station, go down the staircase and turn left. Following the Orthodox tradition, the body of Jesus was laid on the “Stone of Anointing” at the foot of Calvary, which is today the entrance area of the church; the stone you see today only dates back a few hundred years. Here we remember that Jesus was embalmed before burial.

The embalming was a Jewish custom and was a last labor of love by relatives and close friends. In his gospel John writes: “After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away Jesus body, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body and Nicodemus came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes. (John 19:38-39)”

Mary was among those who took Jesus’ body from the cross. She must have remembered the Magi from the east who came when Jesus was born and brought three gifts, amongst them myrrh. Now at Jesus’ death some of the most influential men in Jerusalem came bringing 50 kilos of aloe and myrrh – a precious powder mix for the embalmment of the Lord that they so loved.

Reflection

We might not have thought that Jesus had disciples amongst the rich and influential. In our lives we might not expect to have brothers and sisters in places of influence. Jesus had said: “when you go before the magistrates and the rulers of society do not prepare a speech – I will give you words to say. Jesus is Lord over all; rich and poor, men and women, the powerful as well as the weak. It is encouraging to know that His Kingdom, which is not of this world, encompasses all of society. The Kingdom of Jesus includes people of all races, creeds and nationalities.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for allowing me to be part of Your worldwide Kingdom. Thank you for brothers and sisters in places where I do not expect them.