St Paul's Chichester

Sanctuary - Hospitality - Spiritual Encounter

Morning

Thirteenth Station: Jesus is taken down from the cross

 

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you

because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

 

Bible Reading – Mark 15. 42-46

 

And when evening came, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.  Joseph took the body down and wrapped it in a linen sheet.

 

Meditation

 

Pieta.

Jesus is dead and lies in the arms of his mother.

Death is hard and final

and yet, whatever happens on this earth,

children never die to their mothers.

In the memory of those who loved them, loved ones remain.

And for us, and for all God’s people,

our hope is safe in God.

From swaddling clothes to grave clothes,

all the days of our living and dying,

we are cradled and wrapped in love.

 

Prayer

 

For our families and friends who have died;

for ourselves as we carry their stories:

Lord, in your mercy

hear our prayer.