Today, Jesus is hung on the cross. It is here where he experiences thirst. It is here where he says, “Forgive them, they know not what they do.” It is here where he cries out in full humanity, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” It is here, where he simply proclaims, “It is finished”. In present times, we know the resurrection is coming, but back then, it was simply a day of darkness. A day where his followers must have felt deep grief and confusion. In the middle of despair, there was a man named Joseph, a secret follower of Christ, who tenderly took Jesus’ body and prepared it for the tomb. I offer you a piece of artwork and a simple haiku based on his merciful actions.

A reading from the book of John 19:38-41 CEB

After this Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate if he could take away the body of Jesus. Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one because he feared the Jewish authorities. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took the body away. Nicodemus, the one who at first had come to Jesus at night, was there too. He brought a mixture of myrrh and aloe, nearly seventy-five pounds in all. Following Jewish burial customs, they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it, with the spices, in linen cloths. There was a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified, and in the garden was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid.

Honoring the Christ,
I wrap his body in cloth.
Death sown amidst life.

Previous Lent Posts:
Rising: Ash Wednesday
Week One: The Tempter
Week Two: The Observant Parent
Week Three: Story of a Blind Man
Week Four: The Upper Room Man’s Dream
Week Five: Peter’s Lament
Week Six: Pilate’s Diary Entry