During this Holy Week, we conclude our reflection on the Stations of the Cross. These two may seem to be superfluous after the events leading up to the crucifixion and death of Jesus. However, they underscore the finality of death in order that Jesus’ resurrection should be that much more extraordinary.

The thirteenth station: Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross

While this action seems to be rather mundane, in actuality, it was rather surprising. Crucifixion was not only meant to be a punishment, but also a deterrent. If the crucified bodies were removed immediately after they died, the threat of the punishment would lose much of its power. The executed bodies would remain for all those who passed by, to remind them of the penalty in going against Rome. Perhaps due to the solemnity of the Passover that was celebrated at that time, Pilate allowed the quick removal of Jesus’ body and those crucified with Him. 

It is this station that evokes the image of Michelangelo’s Pietà, of Mary holding the body of her Son one last time. Jesus came down from heaven to be born of Mary, and she held Him in her arms at Bethlehem. Now His mission from His earthly body’s standpoint is complete and she holds His remains lovingly in her arms. While Jesus understands all emotions, Mary is one to seek during times of sorrow and grief. She allowed God’s will to unfold and supported it to the best of her ability. She trusted in God to get her through this, the most painful sorrow she had encountered as the Mother of Jesus. Simeon’s prophecy at His presentation in the Temple must have been ringing through her thoughts. A lance penetrated Jesus’ side and heart, but a spiritual and emotional sword pierced Mary’s motherly heart at what seemed like the end.

The fourteenth station: Jesus’ body is placed in the tomb

In a dark cave, hewed out of a rock, Jesus’ body is wrapped and placed for burial. A large stone is rolled to seal the entrance, the ancient equivalent to nailing a coffin shut. At the time, it seemed to all the world that the promised Anointed one was no longer. With His demise, the Apostles are left without a leader, without direction, and wholly uncertain of what to do next. 

The Church equates the time after the Liturgy of the Passion and through Holy Saturday in reflection of this station. We ponder the depths that God, via Jesus, would go to, in order to restore a relationship with us. Not just did Jesus die for us, but He also went to the depths of spiritual darkness, where all the souls who had perished previously were awaiting Him. Those souls went from no ability to be with God to the possibility of cleansing any remaining attachments and beholding the beatific vision. Jesus loves us that much, that He fulfilled the Will of the Father to redeem mankind throughout time.

These two stations set the foundation for the spectacular resurrection of Jesus. His death was verified by many people as He was removed from the cross and His lifeless body was placed in the tomb. When he rose from death on that first Easter morning, it was beyond belief. For us today, we still don’t understand it fully, even though we believe it as one of the main tenets of our faith. There is no doubt that Jesus died. And for Christians, there is no doubt that Jesus rose from the dead. 

In these last days of leading up to the most holiest day of the year, let us ponder our doubts and place them before the cross and before the tomb. Let us open our hearts to God to illuminate the way to trust in His Will for us. That’s what our faith journey on earth is all about; giving our whole selves, doubts and fears as well as love and sacrifices, to God so that our lives may be a song of praise to Him.