Through Lent with Pope Francis
At the foot of the Cross, Mary, together with John, the disciple of love, witnessed the words of forgiveness spoken by Jesus. This supreme expression of mercy towards those who crucified him show us the point to which the mercy of God can reach. Mary attests that the mercy of the Son of God knows no bounds and extends to everyone, without exception. Let us address her in the words of the Salve Regina, a prayer ever ancient and ever new, so that she may never tire of turning her merciful eyes upon us, and make us worthy to contemplate the face of mercy, her Son Jesus.
Misericordiae Vutus, 2015
Scripture
Jesus is buried
Mark 15:42-47 NCB
It was the Day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath. So when evening came, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also awaiting the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate and requested the body of Jesus.
Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, and he summoned the centurion to ascertain that Jesus had indeed died. When he learned from the centurion that such was the case, he turned over the body to Joseph.
Having purchased a linen shroud, he lowered Jesus from the cross, wrapped him in the shroud, and laid him in a tomb that had been hewn out of rock.
He then rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was buried.
Thought for Today
A day of waiting. But waiting for what? The assumption would have been waiting to finish the preparation of the body of the dead Jesus. In fact Mary and the disciples were waiting for something much more glorious.
Christ is the firstborn from the dead. Let us contemplate the promise of Eternal Life for each one of us.
Music
Salve Regina, sung by Stellenbosch University Choir, music by Franco Prinsloo
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