Passages & Prayers: In the Presence of Death

Take some time to read through the passage, Matthew 27:57-61, then return to this reflection. 

Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

I find this passage one of the more haunting and stirring passages in the Gospels for two main reasons.

First, a man who is likely not only wealthy but well-known, a pillar of the community, unashamedly asks for the body of Jesus. he willingly chose to be identified with the man that the establishment saw as a criminal, as someone so far from their world that he did not merit death by a sword but rather the brutal and drawn out process of crucifixion. Joseph of Arimathea chose to take on that association. 

He did not just say, "I stand with that man, Jesus." Joseph took the body of Jesus, the bruised and battered body of God himself, wrapped him in linens specially purchased. He placed the body of the Christ in the tomb that had painstakingly been carved from a rock face.

Then the two Marys sat, facing the tomb. These two women just sat, keeping watch. Praying. I imagine them sitting there, occasionally the sobs and tears shaking them, occasionally drifting into stunned silence in response to the last few days.

When I think of burials, I think of generosity and presence. Neither of these two beautiful and haunting moments from the Gospels involve any words spoken by the individuals. Rather, the Gospel highlights what they did.

Joseph cared for the body. He didn't ask Mary, Jesus' mother, what he could do. He saw a need and provided. He gave what he could and honored God.

The two Marys sat in silent vigil. They were present to each other and for Jesus. They did not offer conversation or platitudes, but simply were present to console the other and offer their prayers for their deceased friend and teacher.

It is often challenging to quiet ourselves in the presence of death. It is tempting to fill awkward silences, be afraid of offending, tepid in our generosity.

This beautiful moment from the Gospel illustrates the call to be present to the grieving, be present to the prayers, be generous as we give of ourselves.

Jennifer Delvaux
Director of Faith Formation