Mary receives the body of Jesus
The sixth sorrow of Mary.
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Scripture
John 19:38–40
After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore and took away his body. Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds. So they took Jesus’ body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
Meditation
John tells us that Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the body of Jesus. Nicodemus brings myrrh and aloes, and together they prepare him for burial. The Gospel describes their reverent care. Christian tradition also contemplates Mary receiving her Son’s body in her arms, the scene known as the Pietà.
The Child she once held at Bethlehem has completed his earthly life. We contemplate the love of his mother as she receives the body wounded in the Passion. Her grief belongs to a love that has accompanied Jesus from his birth to his death. She continues to honor the Son whom the Father entrusted to her.
Reverence and care
The care given to Jesus calls us to treat the bodies of the dead with dignity. It also draws our attention to those who prepare a loved one for burial. We pray for bereaved parents, for families arranging a funeral, and for those whose dead have not been recovered. May they receive compassionate help, and may our care for them express our faith in the resurrection.
Prayer for this sorrow
We thank you, Beloved Mother, for your courage as you stood beneath your dying Child to comfort Him on the Cross. As our Savior drew His last breath, you became a wonderful Mother to all of us; you became the Blessed Mother of the world. We know that you love us more than our own earthly parents do. We implore you to be our advocate before the Throne of Mercy and Grace so that we can truly become your children. We thank you for Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, and we thank Jesus for giving you to us. Please pray for us, Mother.
Follow with the Our Father once, the Hail Mary seven times, and Most Merciful Mother.
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