Twenty-sixth Day
The sixth sorrow in the life of the Blessed Virgin was the taking down of Our Lord from the cross. We read in the Scriptures, “They shall look upon Him Whom they have pierced.” Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus boldly, as is said, went to Pilate, and demanded the body of Christ, that they might give Him a decent burial. They drew the nails from the wounds of the hands and feet of Our Lord, and respectfully took Him down from the cross and placed Him in the arms of Mary. With great respect did these men and their servants approach the cross and handle the body. Who can describe their feelings during the pious work in which they were engaged? It was like the respect and adoration we show to the Blessed Sacrament. Each instrument of the Passion, still moist with the blood of Jesus, was laid near the sorrowful Mother, who kissed them and preserved them. Who had a better right to them? They were the first and holiest relics which the Church venerated. Now the body has been lowered far enough, that St. John may let His head rest on his shoulder. Mary knelt, and stretching out her arms she received the precious weight of His body on her breast. At last she held Him again, Whom as an Infant she had fondled in her arms! O Mary, now thou lookest upon the beautiful but disfigured face of thy Jesus!
Prayer.
O Heart of Mary, I offer, etc., etc.