The Fifteenth Station
Jesus Rises From the Dead
Bible Reading
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint him. Very early when the sun had risen, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb. They were saying to one another, 'Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?' When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back; it was very large. On entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe, and they were utterly amazed. He said to them, 'Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold, the place where they laid him. Mark 16:1-6
Meditation
After the cross comes the crown. After three days of mourning and waiting, the Church celebrates Jesus' Resurrection. He is the victorious. The Light of the World has conquered darkness. The Way, the Truth, and the Life has overcome death. We hear Jesus' words, 'Peace be with you.' We feel joy in our hearts. We sing again that acclamation of praise, 'Alleluia'. His triumph is ours as well. On Easter Sunday, and in the many other Easters of our lives, we rise above our failures, our burdens, and our struggles. We, too, emerge victorious. Throughout our own Good Fridays, the risen Lord is by our side, pledging that we, too, will rise again, both here on earth and hereafter, in the life yet to come.
Sixth Hymn
I cannot tell (266)
Closing words
O Lord Jesus, as we face the cross today, we wonder at your love for us. We can never deserve what you did for us on this day. Looking at the people who brought about your death we can see so many of the same faults in ourselves and we are sorry for them. By faith we gladly take the forgiveness which you offer us from your cross and through the door which you pushed open then, we come back into God’s family where we really belong.
Blessing
Christ crucified draw you to himself, to find in him a sure ground for faith, a firm support for hope, and the assurance of sins forgiven; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Some prayers for use at home
Servant Christ help us to follow you unto the cross. To recognise the
true way of life in your death To see our hope in your self-spending love To
die to all within us not born of your love Servant Christ, help us to follow
you
(Litany of the disciples of Christ the Servant)
O God nails would not have held your Son to the cross had not love held
him there Make us truly thankful for his great love shown on the cross; and
grant that it may fix us in those situations and places which we might most
happily desert.
(Catherine of Sienna 1347-80)
O my God, Jesus I am in every way unworthy of you. Yet like Joseph of Arimathea, I want to offer a space for you. He offered his tomb; I offer my heart
Enter the darkness of my heart as your body entered the darkness of
Joseph’s tomb. And make me worthy to receive you, driving out all sin and
darkness, that I might be filled with your light.
(St Bonaventure 1217-74)
Creator God, since with such a wonderful delicacy of touch you have
translated yourself in human terms, give us also sensitivity to recognise
that each person made in your image, being unique and different from us, has
something to tell us about yourself that no one else can tell.
(Cardinal Basil Hume)
Today
he who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the cross.
He who is King of the Angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns.
He who wraps the heavens in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery.
The bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails.
The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear.
We venerate your Passion, O Christ,
Show us also your glorious Resurrection.
Eastern Orthodox Church hymn for Good Friday