The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Laid in the Arms of His Mother
With the help of the Apostle John and Joseph of Arimathea, the body of Jesus is taken down from the cross. The lifelessness of His body only emphasizes the feeling of desertion that those who remained felt. Mary receives the body of her Son. Despite her emotional exhaustion, the first feeling she has is one of relief. She is relieved, not for herself, but for Jesus. Only she knew how He had suffered, not only in the hours of his Passion but in the days, the months, the years leading up to it. He had anticipated all of this.
Even with all of the grace and supernatural perspective that Mary had, there must have been so many questions, so many emotions raging through her heart. Mary, you knew your Son’s mission was being accomplished through this bloodshed; at the same time, however, this meant His time here with you was at an end. What would your relationship be like with your Son now that He had died? What would you do for His followers as they looked for direction? As Jesus’ body lay in your arms, you silently spoke to Him in the quiet of your heart—much like you did at Cana. You asked him to help those friends who had fled from the Garden of Gethsemane. You renewed your “fiat.” Dear Mother, think of me the way you did those disciples who fled—I who have hidden from the cross so many times. Help me return to Your Son, seeking His mercy and love in Confession. Inspire me to imitate your fiat. Help me to repeat it many times a day, especially when my heart rebels against the crosses that I did not choose.
Points to consider:
When I feel most alone, do I go to Our Lady, knowing that she is the fastest way to the healing power of her Son?
Do I treat my body as the home to my soul that it is now and will be in eternity? Do my dress and behavior reflect that reality? Do my dress and behavior reflect the presence of my eternal soul that yearns to be with Jesus?
Do I teach my children to care for their bodies as the home for their souls? Do I teach them that their dress and behavior must reflect the longings of their souls? Do I teach them to treat others with that same respect?
Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus—a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you. Mother Teresa