Station 13

Station 13: Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross

Scripture Passage

When the soldiers came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead so that they did not break his legs, but one of them opened his side with a lance, and immediately there came our blood and water. Joseph of Arimarhea, because he was a disciple of Jesus (although a secret one for fear of the Jews), besought Pilate thar he might take away the body of Jesus. And Pilate gave permission. (Jn 19: 33-34, 38a)

Meditation from Fr. Jason Smith, LC

We adore you, O Christ, and praise you, for by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Jesus’ head drops slowly towards us, his chin resting above his breast-bone. We can now look at his face: Finally it is relaxed and calm. Torture has been turned into redemptive love. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has died.

Jesus’ last words, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”, what a wonderful message they convey! They evoke the image of the hands of a loving Father reaching out and embracing him. These are the same hands that reach out to us, every day. They are the hands of our Father who has created us and who holds us in being. They are the hands of a Father who blesses and embraces us. These are the hands that will receive us at the hour of our death.