V. Adoramus te Christe et benedicimus tibi (We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee)
R. Quia per Crucem tuam redemisti mundum (For by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.)
“When Pilate learned from the centurion that Jesus was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Mag′dalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.” (Mk 15:45-47).
All is accomplished. Joseph of Arimathea, a just man and a member of the Council, who had not approved of the decision and action of the Sanhedrin (Lk 23:51), makes his own tomb available for the body of Jesus to be placed in it.
The mourning of the women is overwhelming. Certainly not all of them yet understand the full meaning and magnitude of the death of Jesus, but they already have a light. They all know that He died innocently, they know how much good He did, how much comfort He brought to people and what His teachings were. Now they are experiencing the death of someone they loved. But they are certain that the souls of the righteous are in God’s hands.
Very soon, when the night fades and the eternal morning dawns, the meaning of that death will be revealed. Very soon they will see the light of the Resurrection, like the Orthodox Christians who await today in Jerusalem the miracle of the Holy Fire, which will light the candles prepared at the Tomb of Christ.
Jesus prepares a dwelling place for His own, as He assured the disciples (cf. Jn 14:2). That is why we can face death with confidence and firm faith.
“O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?” (1 Cor 15:55) This glorious exclamation we will hear at the Easter Vigil: Death has been conquered! Therefore, the fear of death must give way more and more if we live in deep union with God.
Prayer: “Lord, graciously grant us salvation and peace, that your Church, having overcome all obstacles and errors, may serve you in full freedom, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit and is God for ever and ever. Amen.”
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be