STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Station 13: The Body of Jesus is Placed in the Arms
of his Mother

Location: At the entrance to the Coleman Garden
at Grace Church

A Reading from the book of Lamentations

For these things I weep;
    my eyes flow with tears;
for a comforter is far from me,
    one to revive my courage;
my children are desolate, 
    for the enemy has prevailed.
(Lamentations 1:16)

Meditation

In the eyes of Jesus’ followers and friends, it was over. This was the end. This was not what they had expected at all. This much was clear: everything had changed. 

Everything had changed, for the one in whom they had placed all their hope was now dead. They had left behind everything to follow him, and now he was gone. There was now nothing left at all, but to save their beloved teacher from the final indignity of being devoured by scavenging animals, and so they took down his body for a hasty burial.

A Prayer for Those who Mourn

O merciful God, you have taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve your children: Look with pity upon the sorrows of all those who are burdened with grief. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and mighty,
Holy immortal one,
have mercy upon us.