The Fourteenth Station
Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb
Reflection:
Joseph of Aramathea took the body of Jesus, and wrapping It in a clean linen cloth he laid It in his new tomb, which he had hewn out of rock. Then he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and departed. (Mt. 27: 59-60)
Meditation: I will praise You, O Lord, for You drew me clear and did not let My enemies rejoice over Me.
O Lord, My God, I cried out to You and You healed Me.
O Lord, You brought Me up from the nether world;
You preserved Me from among those going down into the pit.
Sing praise to the Lord, you His faithful ones, and give thanks to His Holy Name.
For His anger lasts but a moment; His good will is for a lifetime.
At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with dawn comes rejoicing. (Ps. 30:2-6)
From The Imitation of Christ, Book 2, Chapter 12
Know for certain that you ought to lead the life of a dying disciple. And the more you die to yourself, the more you begin to live for God. None of us is fit for the understanding of heavenly things, unless you have submitted yourself to bearing adversities for Christ. Nothing is more acceptable to God, nothing is more beneficial for yourself in this world, than to suffer willingly for Christ. And if it were yours to choose, you ought rather to wish to suffer adversities for Christ, than to be refreshed with manifold consolations, for you would be more like Christ and more conformed to all saints. For our worthiness and growth in grace lies not in many delights and comforts, but rather in bearing many troubles and adversities.
Pray: Almighty and eternal God, on the edge of sadness when all seemed lost, You restored to us the Savior we thought defeated and conquered. Help us, we beg You, so to empty ourselves of self concern that we might see Your hand in every failure and Your victory in every defeat. These things we ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns forever with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.