THE THIRTEENTH STATION

THE BODY OF JESUS

IS TAKEN DOWN

FROM THE CROSS

 

We adore you, O Christ,

and we bless you

Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the world.

 

FROM SACRED SCRIPTURE

Gospel of John 19:31-34, 36

Since it was the day of preparation,

in order to prevent the bodies

from remaining on the cross

on the sabbath 

(for the sabbath was a high day),

the Jews asked Pilate that their legs

might be broken,

and that they might be taken away.

So, the soldiers came

and broke the legs of the first,

and of the other

who had been crucified with him;

but when they came to Jesus

and saw that he was already dead,

they did not break his legs.

But one of the soldiers

pierced his side with a spear,

and at once there came out

blood and water.

For these things took place

that the scripture might be fulfilled,

"Not a bone of him shall be broken."

​

When Jesus was an infant,

Mary would have held him close

and rocked him to sleep.

Let us contemplate Mary praying

Psalm 55 as she rocks back and forth,

holding the body of her

Son in her arms.

​

Give ear to my prayer, O God;

and hide not yourself

from my supplication!

My heart is in anguish within me,

the terrors of death

have fallen upon me.

​

But I will call upon God,

and the Lord will save me.

He will deliver my soul in safety

from the battle that I wage,

for many are arrayed against me.

But I will trust in you.

- Psalm 55:1, 4, 16, 18, 23

 

HYMN

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,

all His bitter anguish bearing,

now at length, the sword has passed.

​