On Holy Saturday I read a reflection that inspired me to think about the physical reality of Jesus’ body after he died. We are told that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took his body down from the cross, but I had never considered what hard work that would have been. They would have needed more men to help. Jesus’ body would be very heavy, dead weight. They would have worked as carefully as possible to remove the nails without tearing Jesus’ precious flesh any further. They would have observed his deep scourges, punctures, and nail holes up close and intimately. Their hands and clothing would have been covered in his blood, touched his wounds and bruises, fingered his matted hair, and felt the wetness of the water that had flowed from his heart.

While other disciples stayed far away, those men, those friends of Jesus, did what needed to be done. Jesus did not come down from the cross by his own power; it was a work of mercy for which he had to depend on his friends.

A few years ago, my sons and I visited Knock Shrine in Ireland. They had just installed the Stations of the Cross in their basilica and the image that impacted me at that time, and returns vividly to my memory now, is their 14th Station. Their artist illustrated two men struggling awkwardly as they carried the lifeless weight of Jesus to the tomb. Mary is standing nearby, watching, grateful, and trusting these men. Jesus’ spirit had left his body, and it was a bruised, battered corpse that was laid alone in the tomb that day. The heavy hearts of the men returned to their homes that night.

A day and a half later, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and others. No scourge or thorn marks, no scabs or bruises. Just the nail and spear marks to forever honor his sacrifice. His Spirit has returned; the same body, the same bones and flesh, and organs, but through his resurrection He has been transfigured, glorified. Joseph, Nicodemus, and company are honored forever for their service. As disciples, we must recognize that if Jesus needed help, we do too and if others need help, we must step up and do the work needed. No matter how messy.

Scripture: Read John 19:38-42. What stands out?

Call to Action: Meditate on the work of Joseph and Nicodemus and the glory of Jesus’ resurrected body. Read between the lines as to what those experiences were like.