Joseph of Arimathaea

Today the Church recalls Joseph of Arimathaea.  The Gospels tell us that after Jesus’ death, Joseph of Arimathaea, a wealthy member of the Council, asked Pilate for the body of Jesus, and buried it with honor in the tomb he had intended for himself. This is all we ever hear about him in the New Testament.  Joseph of Arimathaea is a faithful follower of Jesus; he gave his own tomb to Jesus, a tomb which soon would be the scene of the Resurrection. 

Let us pray:  Merciful God, whose servant Joseph of Arimathaea with reverence and godly fear prepared the body of our Lord and Savior for burial, and laid it in his own tomb: Grant to us, your faithful people, grace and courage to love and serve Jesus with sincere devotion all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550