The Thirteenth Station: Jesus Is Taken Down From The Cross (The Descension)
Jesus & St. Francis By Ariel Agemian
Scripture: When the soldiers came to Jesus, they saw that He was already dead so that they did not break His legs, but one of them opened His side with a lance, and immediately there came out blood and water. Joseph of Aramathea, because he was a disciple of Jesus (although a secret one for fear of the Jews), besought Pilate that he might take away the Body of Jesus. And Pilate gave him permission. (Jn 19:33-34 and 38a.)
Meditation: From Book 2, Ch.12. If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross.
If indeed there had been anything better and more profitable to your health than to suffer, Christ would surely have shown it by word and example. For both the disciples who follows Him, and all who desire to follow Him, He plainly encourages us to bear our cross, and says to us, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me (Luke 24:46).”
So now that we have thoroughly read and studied all things, let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. “We must through many tribulations enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:21).”
Pray: Beloved Savior, You emptied Yourself for us and returned to the Father all that He had given You, so that the Father would restore everything to You a hundredfold in the glorious Resurrection. Help us to empty ourselves like You, and turn everything over the the Father, like You did. Amen.