Thursday 9 August 2012

Thursday - stand up for what you believe

Today's  readings makes a statement that we often miss.   Joseph goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus' body.     We read that sentence and think, "How very nice of Joseph to care for his friend even in death.  What a good friend."   Yet,  Joseph has just publically declared himself a friend of Jesus.... Joseph who is part of the Sanhedrin.  The Sanhedrin that was unbalanced by Jesus' teachings. The Sanhedrin that plotted Jesus' death.   The Sanhedrin that stirred up the crowds in order to ask for Jesus to be crucified. 
Joseph now stands up for what he believes and stands up publically.   Wow.  
Today,  remember Joseph and stand up for what you believe!

Thursday Retreat.....
Prayer:  Creator God,  out of the shadows of the valley of death you led us and we will fear no evil.  You bring us beside pools of still water and You restore our souls.  You prepare a table before us and Your goodness overflows.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of my life and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Amen.
 
Read St. Matthew 27: 57 – 61

Joseph of Arimathea goes to Pilate and asks for the body of Jesus. Pilate grants his request.  The Joseph takes the body and wraps Jesus’ body and places the body in a tomb.
In Matthew,  Joseph is called a disciple of Jesus.  Joseph was also a member of the Sanhedrin. 

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary stay and mourn outside Jesus’ tomb.  They were sitting outside the tomb according to Jewish rites that state a body can not be left alone until after burial (shemira).   This watching over the body was not to keep the body safe but to honour the person who had just died. 

Traditionally,  burial was granted even to criminals after execution.  Burial took place on the day of the death.  The person or person(s) who handled a body would be considered “unclean” and have to go through a rite of cleanliness in order to be made clean.  

Prayer:   Thank You God,  that through the death of Your son,  we were made clean.  You have given us clean hands and a pure heart.  We are blessed and continue to receive Your blessings each and everyday.  May we continue to seek Your face and share Your love with those around us.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen

Many blessings!

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