Mary receives the body of Jesus, Mary: Day 250

Mary receives the body of Jesus

St. Alphonsus describes St. Bridget’s vision of Mary’s petition to receive the body of her Son.

The Mother of God herself revealed to St. Bridget: “When the spear was drawn out from Jesus’ side, the point appeared red with blood. Then, seeing the heart of my most dear Son pierced, it seemed to me as if my own heart was also pierced.” An angel told the same saint that “the sufferings of Mary were so great, it was only through a miraculous intervention by God that she didn’t die.” In her other sorrows, she at least had her Son to have compassion on her. But now doesn’t even have him to pity her.

The afflicted mother, fearing that other injuries might still be inflicted on her Son, begged Joseph of Arimathea to obtain the body of her Jesus from Pilate, so that at least in death she might guard and protect it from further outrage. Joseph went and told Pilate about the grief and desires of this afflicted mother. St. Anselm believes that compassion for the mother softened the heart of Pilate and moved him to grant her the body of the Savior. Jesus was then taken down from the Cross.

Most sacred Virgin, after you have given your Son to the world for our salva- tion, with such great love, see how the world now returns him to you. But in what condition do you receive him? He was all fair and beautiful; but now there is no more beauty in him; he is all disfigured. His appearance enamored everyone; now he excites horror in all who see him.

“How many swords,” says St. Bonaventure, “pierced the poor mother’s soul” when she received the body of her Son from the Cross! We need only con- sider the anguish it would cause any mother to receive into her arms the body of her lifeless son.

—St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Mary has given me her Son. How have I received him? How have I treated, or mistreated him?

CLOSING PRAYER

From the Stabat Mater Dolorosa: Mary, let me mingle tears with thee, mourning him who mourned for me, all the days that I may live.

_________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Paul Thigpen and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.