Station 14

Coming from Calvary to the stone of anointing continue about 25 meters further, veering slightly to the right is the tomb of Jesus, located inside the stone chapel underneath the main rotunda. The chapel has two chambers, when you enter the inner chamber, you will see a slab of marble to your right. Underneath lies what is left of the stone bench inside the former burial chamber.

“And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there sitting opposite the tomb (Matthew 27:59-61).”

Jesus remained in the tomb from Friday till Sunday morning. Traditionally, the mourning period for a dead person is seven days. It was not unusual for those mourning during this period to visit the grave. When the women went to the tomb early Sunday morning to their amazement the stone was rolled away – the tomb was empty. When the risen Jesus revealed Himself to them, they were in shock – the surprise was complete and the tears of mourning became tears of joy.

Reflection

Death is an enemy that will eventually get us all. It is a merciless foe – no one escapes its claws. When Jesus defeated this foe, it changed everything. He proclaims with this victory that death is not the end, it is the beginning of eternity with God. It starts already here in this life for all who believe in Him.

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, that in your victory, death is overcome and I have hope and victory now and for eternity.