The Thirteenth Station

The Body of Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

As on the day of Your birth. You are once again placed into Your mother's arms. She looks intently into Your face, trying to memorize every line and every crease by heart, but knowing that too quickly her senses will fail her and these final memories will fade. The last of her tears bathe You as she wonders if she can ever forget and how she will ever remember.

I remember the days of old;

I ponder all your deeds;

the works of your hands I recall

I stretch out my hands to you;

I thirst for you like a parched land.

Psalm 143:5–6

With goodbye, the final sword pierces her heart.

Hail Mary,

Full of grace,

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit

of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary,

Mother of God,

pray for us sinners now,

and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

We pray. Father in heaven, these final acts remind us that while Your Son is divine, He came to share completely in our humanity. With death, His pain ended. But as in any family, His loss was the beginning of grief for those left behind. We know this pain. We have felt this loss. Comfort us Lord, in our sadness. Remind us that while the sharpness of memories may fade, the mark of those we love remains. Assure us that one day, we will be reunited to rest forever in the loving arms of Mary our Mother.

Amen.

[excerpt from Stations of the Cross by Denise Hemrich-Skomer and Fr. Joachim Tyrtania. ©2009. Nihil Obstat: Charles McNamee, J.C.L. Censor Librorum. Imprimatur: Thomas G. Doran, D.D., J.C.D, Bishop of Rockford]