August 31: Saints Joseph and Nicodemus: Collected the body of Jesus taken down from the cross (1st century)

 

In the latest edition of the Roman Martyrology, the Church has combined the feast of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, the two holy men who took down the body of Jesus from the cross, wrapped it in linen cloths, and laid it in the tomb.

Joseph is unknown to us, except for the information recorded when he is mentioned in the four Gospels. He was a follower of Christ from Arimathea, a place probably northwest of Jerusalem. He was a wealthy and pious member of the Sanhedrin, the governing body of Israel, who awaited the Kingdom of God announced by the prophets. However, out of fear, he remained a secret disciple.

Joseph did not participate in the Sanhedrin’s decision to put Jesus to death. Then, after the crucifixion of our Lord (at which he was present), Joseph summoned the courage to go to Pilate and ask for the Body of the Savior.

With the help of Nicodemus, another secret disciple of Christ, Joseph took down the body, wrapped it in cloths, and placed it in his newly dug tomb (in which no one had been placed) in a garden near Calvary. This fulfilled the words of Isaiah (53:9) that the tomb of the Messiah would be among the rich. Unverifiable legends have made Joseph a heroic figure in the spread of the faith in France and England.

Nicodemus is known to us through the Gospel of John. He was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin who was convinced by Christ’s miracles that he was sent from God. In a nighttime interview, Christ told this wealthy and learned seeker that faith and baptism were necessary for eternal life.

Nicodemus did not understand then but was deeply moved, although he did not yet have the courage to stand up for the Lord. Later, at the Feast of Tabernacles, when the Jewish authorities planned to kill Jesus, Nicodemus spoke up—though timidly—in the Sanhedrin, reminding them that the Law did not condemn a man until he had been heard in his own defense.

After Christ’s death, Nicodemus came boldly with about 100 pounds of myrrh and aloes and assisted in Christ’s burial.

Nothing else is known for certain about Nicodemus.

 

PRAYER: God, You alone are holy, and without You no one is good. Through the intercession of Sts. Joseph and Nicodemus, grant that we may live in such a way as not to be deprived of Your glory. Amen.