Loss: ‘Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the body of Jesus’
Reading John 19: 38-end
After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one
because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate
gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen
cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place
where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever
been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Reflection
The body of Jesus is entombed. It is the eve of the Jewish Sabbath – all is still. It’s a time of
silent waiting. A silence we can share as we turn our minds to the enormity of what has
happened. The terrifying agony of the crucifixion; the immense sense of confusion and loss
at Jesus’ death; the harsh reality of the tomb where his body was laid to rest.
In Bristol Cathedral there is a large Saxon stone dating back to the 11th century or earlier. It
was discovered during an excavation of the Chapter House floor and is currently displayed
on a pillar in the south transept. One theory is that it may have formed a decorative end
panel to a burial casket. What makes this a compelling theory is that the carving on the
stone depicts the harrowing of hell. It represents Christ descending to the place of the
dead. The carving shows Christ holding aloft the victor’s cross whilst with his free hand he
clasps the hands of Adam and Eve lifting them out of their bondage, whilst the heel of his
foot is placed firmly upon the devil’s head. The harrowing of hell is a very evocative image
to consider on Holy Saturday.
To think about
Here are some verses from an ancient homily for Holy Saturday by an unknown author.
(Esther De Waal. (2009) Seeking Life, Canterbury Press, p13-20)
What is happening?
Today there is a great silence over the earth,
a great silence and stillness,
a great silence because the King sleeps …
He wishes to visit those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
He goes to free the prisoner Adam and his fellow-prisoner Eve from their pains,
he who is God and Adam’s son … he raises them up saying:
“Awake O sleeper and arise from the dead and Christ shall give you light.
Come forth … Have light …Rise … I command you: Awake, sleeper!
Prayer
Visit this place, O Lord, we pray,
and drive far from it the snares of the enemy;
may your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace,
and may your blessing be always upon us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Written by Revd Canon Dr Robert Bull.
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