The Sixth Sorrow of Mary: Jesus Is Taken Down From the Cross

When it was already evening, since it was the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished member of the council, who was himself awaiting the kingdom of God, came and courageously went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was amazed that he was already dead. He summoned the centurion and asked him if Jesus had already died. And when he learned of it from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. Having bought a linen cloth, he took him down, wrapped him in the linen cloth and laid him in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock.

Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.

-Mark 15:42–46

Mary, mother and disciple

Never leaving her son’s side, even after his death, Mary reveals to us the importance of death with dignity. Jesus’ body is not left on the cross, but is brought down to be buried.

In our world today, many of our brothers and sisters are left upon crosses of hunger, homelessness, war and persecution.

Questions to Guide Your Reflection:

1. Who around me is left upon a cross? How can I help bring him or her down?
2. How do I promote the dignity of those around me-both near and far-throughout their lives? Have I provided care with dignity to someone in need, perhaps at the end of their earthly life?