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Explanation for:
Matthew
27
:
61
And there was there Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary sitting over against the sepulchre.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Why are they sitting here? They lacked a true understanding of Him and were unaware of the profound significance of His being. Thus, they brought the oil and kept vigil at the tomb, intending to anoint Him once the fury of the Jews had lessened. Observe the bravery of these women! Witness their passionate love and their willingness to sacrifice at great cost. They were determined to fulfill their duty, even in the face of possible death. Let us emulate these women so that we also do not abandon Jesus in His time of trial. They invested so much for the deceased, risking their very souls; yet we, despite repeated reminders, neglect to feed the hungry or clothe the naked. When prompted by His demands, we often hurry past. Surely, if you were to see Him face to face, each of you would give everything you possess. But He remains with us even now, for He proclaimed, “I am.” So, why do you not trust completely in Him? You hear Him say, “You do unto Me.” There is no distinction between giving to Him or to another; you will accomplish even more than those women who then tended to Him. Do not be misled. It is one thing to nourish Him when He appeared in radiant glory, capable of softening even the hardest heart, and quite another to serve the poor, the destitute, and the downtrodden simply because it fulfills His command. By serving those in need, you honor humanity's dignity; in doing so, you show greater respect to Him when you care for His servant in accordance with His will and seek to please Him in every aspect. Therefore, you will find favor if you believe Him who receives and speaks: “He gave it to me.” If you had not given to Him, He would not have blessed you with the honor of His kingdom. If it were not Him whom you rejected, He would not have cast you into eternal separation; nor would He condemn you to suffering had your disdain been for a mere human. No; it is He who is despised, hence the significant transgression. The same applies to Paul, who persecuted Him through the believers; why did He inquire, “Why persecutest thou Me?” (Acts 9:4). Let us be as diligent as if we were giving directly to Christ Himself when extending our help to others. His truthful words are far more reliable than what our eyes perceive. Therefore, when you encounter a needy person, remember His pronouncement that He is the very one whom you are feeding. Although the individual before you appears not as Christ, beneath the guise of that poor soul, He Himself requests assistance. But are you embarrassed to heed what Christ asks? You should instead feel shame when you pass by someone in need; that is truly a disgrace and a form of punishment. When He asks, it comes from His goodness, and therefore we ought to take pride in it; neglecting to give, however, reveals your heart's hardening. If you do not accept my words now about passing by a beggar—who is a believer—you will surely believe it when He brings you before the judgment and states, “Inasmuch as ye have not done it to one of the least of these, ye have not done it to Me” (Matthew 25:45). But let us not wait until that day to recognize the truth. We must believe it now and bear good fruit so that we may hear the blessed voice that welcomes us into the kingdom! Some might argue, “You talk about compassion and humanity every day.” I will not cease to do so. Even if you excelled in these virtues, I would still continue my exhortations, lest you grow complacent. If you had indeed surpassed others in righteousness, my words would lessen, but as it stands, you are far from achieving even half of these ideals. You do not direct such remarks toward me, but to yourselves. Truly, when you complain about my repeated messages, you behave like a child who, having heard the alphabet endlessly without committing it to memory, chides the teacher for repetition. Who among you has been moved to give to the needy? Who has squandered their possessions? Who has given half or even a third? None! Is it appropriate for you to silence me when you have not yet learned these lessons? You ought to do the opposite—if we decide to stop teaching, you should implore us to continue: “We have not yet learned; why cease instructing us?” If there were someone suffering from an eye ailment, and I were a healer, I would bandage the eye, apply ointments, and provide other remedies—but should I fail to effect true healing and then depart, would he not demand accountability for my negligence, especially since his affliction remains? If I responded that I had given lotions and remedies, would the afflicted accept such an excuse? No! He would exclaim: What good is that to me while I am still in pain? Consider the same for your soul. If I could not heal your weary and troubled spirits despite extensive treatment, would you not express the same displeasure? And even now, we continue to treat hands still plagued and shriveled. Therefore, we shall not cease our efforts until we see them restored. Oh, if you would only speak of nothing else—day and night, everywhere—what if we devoted ourselves to this concern continuously, even in our dreams? What do you say? That I speak too often of mercy? My desire is that I would not need to. I would prefer to discuss our struggles against Jews, Gentiles, and heretics; but how can one prepare the sick for battle? How can those suffering from wounds and afflictions be led into the fray? If I were to see you whole, I would surely lead you into combat, and by the grace of Christ, you would witness the downfall of thousands of your adversaries. We have spoken extensively about this in various texts, yet due to the negligence of many, we are unable to celebrate complete victory even now. We have triumphed repeatedly in debating doctrines; however, we are criticized due to the failings of some within our ranks, drawing disdain for their moral deficiencies. Is it wise to take you into battle when you contribute to our detriment, easily struck and ridiculed by your foes? One person's arm may be weak, disabled, unable to protect itself against harsh blows. How can he wield a shield? Others are limping, wandering to places of debauchery. How can they stand in war and resist the temptations of lust? Some struggle with their sight, either blind or gazing inappropriately, obsessed with sinful desires while casting aspersions on the virtue of wives and undermining marriages. How can such a person engage in battle, hold a spear, or shoot an arrow, when they are bombarded with ridicule? Others are afflicted in their innermost being, as if burdened by an insatiable appetite; they are tormented by gluttony and drunkenness. How can I lead such drunkards into combat? Some have foul mouths: slanderers, blasphemers. How can they raise their voices in the midst of battle, let alone accomplish anything honorable, when they are inebriated with folly and the jest of their enemies? This is why I go among my flock every day, tending to wounds, healing the brokenness. When you regain sobriety and are able to strike out against others, then I will instruct you in the art of warfare and show you how to wield arms; indeed, your righteous deeds will then serve as your armaments, and all foes shall fall before you—provided you embody mercy, gentleness, humility, and all other virtues. If anyone contradicts us, we will labor to make you examples for others. But for now, you serve as an impediment on our path. Look: we declare Christ performed mighty miracles and transformed men into angels. But when inquiry arises for evidence of this, and we are asked to provide examples from our congregation, we find ourselves speechless, and I fear that instead of presenting angels, we might be forced to cast out swine or effeminate horses from our midst. I recognize this may cause you distress; however, my words are directed not at all but only at the guilty, or more appropriately, not against those who are sober but for their benefit. Everything seems corrupted and disordered: the church resembles a stable overflowing with animals; I roam in search of sheep and cannot find any. They stomp around, making noise like horses or wild donkeys, merely cluttering the space with the filth of their words—such is the nature of their conversation. If you were to hear the discussions of husbands and wives in sacred gatherings, their words would be more wretched than excrement. Consequently, I implore you, abandon this dishonorable habit, that our church may be filled with the fragrance of peace. Currently, we only contribute to it with superficial offerings and neglect the imperative of purifying the spirit. What good is this? Truly, it is not only that we dishonor the church by introducing filth but more so that we pollute it by discussing commerce, trade, taverns, and inappropriate matters amongst ourselves. Rather, we ought to experience the presence of angels here, transforming the church into a haven, knowing only heartfelt prayer, silence, and attentiveness. Let us strive for reform from this moment forward, so that we may sanctify our lives and secure the promised rewards through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom belongs glory forever and ever. Amen."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"During a period when many have turned away from the Lord, the women remain steadfast in their devotion, anticipating the fulfillment of His promises. Thus, they were the first to witness the Resurrected Christ, for it is written that those who persevere until the end will be granted salvation, as stated in Matthew 10:22 and Matthew 24:13. According to the new Synodal Russian translation: He who endures to the end will be saved."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In the Gospel, Mark recounts that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James observed the location of His burial. Similarly, Luke notes that the women accompanying Jesus from Galilee witnessed the tomb and the arrangement of His body. After returning, they prepared spices and oils for anointing. These women, having followed the burial procession, positioned themselves near the tomb to see how His body was laid, intending to return with aromatic substances for His anointing. By the time Jesus was laid to rest, evening had fallen, making it inappropriate for anyone to visit the tomb. This particular Friday evening was highly regarded by the Jewish people, as it signified both the prelude to the Sabbath and the observance of Passover, marking the time when the Passover meal would be consumed. The women observed a day of rest on the Sabbath as mandated by the Law, adhering to their customs. However, on Sunday, they planned to visit the grave, which they accomplished as will be detailed later. At that point, their understanding of the Resurrection was limited, leading them to expect only to find the body of their Lord."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"After the burial, Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, sat mournfully near the tomb, reflecting on their beloved Lord. Once the burial concluded and the large stone sealed the tomb's entrance, they returned home to prepare ointments and spices for His body. Meanwhile, other disciples and followers, having begun to process the trauma of the previous day, gradually came together. They sought to share fellowship during the impending great feast, which for them was a time marked by profound sorrow, deep mourning, and unending tears."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Mary Magdalene and the other Mary observed the burial of the Lord, purposefully positioning themselves by the tomb so that they could return after the tumult among the Jews had calmed, to anoint Him."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Gumilevski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896f4b6fd32caa244b5d7_Philaret%20(Gumilevski).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, witnessed where He had been entombed. The fact that these women accompanied the Savior throughout Galilee, as the Gospel writers note, holds significant importance. Yet, the great miracle worker was often followed by vast throngs, and concerning some among them, He remarked, “Amen, I say to you, seek Me, not because you have seen a sign, but because you have eaten bread.” It is a different scene that unfolds when we observe these devoted women at the foot of the Savior’s cross, where the humiliation and dread of death concealed the divine splendor of the heavenly messenger from human sight. The Good Shepherd finds Himself astounded, His disciples scatter in fear; even Peter, who vowed to stand by Jesus until death, betrayed Him three times. In contrast, the faithful women remained steadfast, even amid the terrors of death. They trailed Him to Golgotha, their path soaked with tears of empathy; they stood by their beloved Master, some observing His agonies from a distance, while others stationed themselves at the very cross. Neither the fury of the crowd, the malice of the scribes and Pharisees, nor the audacity of the soldiers could deter them from their divine Teacher. Afterwards, they noted where He was laid and positioned themselves in front of the tomb."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"At the time of the cross's removal and during the burial, a group of devoted women was present, some of whom we observed standing near His cross: among them were Mary Magdalene and another Mary, the mother of James, who remained near the tomb. The fervor of Joseph and Nicodemus did not allow them to act differently; they simply kept watch over the manner and location of the Lord’s burial. However, their heartfelt love for Jesus did not overlook the opportunity to show reverence for His sacred body, leading them to gather spices, so they might return after the Sabbath to anoint their Master’s remains. This plan was embraced by Joseph, who possessed abundant resources and deep affection for Jesus, able to fill the cave with perfumes, yet he did not wish to impede the sincere devotion of those less fortunate, yet equally appreciative of Jesus’s memory. Once the burial was completed, all who assisted departed, but the holy women found it difficult to leave the precious coffin containing their beloved Master. Only as the sun dipped behind the Judean mountains, and the hour to close the gates of Jerusalem approached, did they reluctantly exit the sacred tomb and the garden belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, their hearts heavy with sorrow. Yet what was their grief compared to the anguish of the Virgin, the Mother of our Lord? At that moment, the sharp sword foretold by the righteous Simeon pierced her compassionate heart and holy soul. All her thoughts and emotions were consumed by the profound loss of her Divine Son, and her tears flowed ceaselessly. Undoubtedly, her maternal sorrow resonated with the holy women and the disciples of Christ. The Holy Church poignantly portrays the lamentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Christ's burial in the hymns of Great Friday. Yet, these hymns also express how Our Lord, who died and was entombed in the flesh, as immortal and omnipresent in His divinity, noticed the grief of His Immaculate Mother and intriguingly conveyed to her mourning heart: “Weep not for me, O Mother, seeing me in the tomb, whose Son thou didst conceive in the womb without seed: but I will arise and be glorified and exalted with glory continually as God, by faith and love to those who magnify Thee! ... Though I would save My creature, I will die...” (Canon on the Lamentations of the Most Holy Theotokos). As we contemplate the burial of the Lord Jesus Christ, reverent interpreters of Scripture reflect on various thoughts: “Ashes you are and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19), this was spoken to fallen Adam; thus, the second Adam too needed, if only for a brief time, to be buried within the earth, taking refuge in its depths. In this way, through His burial, He remained within the heart of the earth as the second Adam. It was essential for Him to undergo burial to further confirm the reality of His death. This burial was vital so that He might infuse our tombs with the vitality and power from His life-giving grave, providing resurrection and life for those entombed. The Lord’s resting in the tomb was necessary to diminish, to the greatest extent possible, the dread and darkness associated with our tombs, allowing the faithful soul to confidently proclaim, “If I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me” (Psalm 22:4). The Lord’s burial was also necessary to sanctify our graves and our resting places, as well as to consecrate the very depths of the earth. According to the physical body, it was important for Him to be buried in proportion to the descent of His soul into hell. Our spiritual Sun entered the tomb, yet it was not extinguished, only concealed for a time, to rise anew in the realm of the departed souls and illuminate them with the light of faith, guiding them into the kingdom of light. Thus, in His great mercy, He loved us so profoundly that He not only descended from heaven to earth, ascended the cross, and entered into the earth, but also descended into hell for our salvation."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Joseph, were observing the place where He was laid. They positioned themselves at the entrance of the tomb, as recounted by Matthew the Evangelist. Additionally, other women who had accompanied Jesus from Galilee were present, watching as Joseph and Nicodemus placed His body in the grave. Afterward, these women returned home to prepare spices and perfumes to anoint the body of Jesus in accordance with Jewish tradition; however, they chose to delay this until after the Sabbath, in order to honor the command regarding rest on that day."},{"author-name":"Makkaveiski N.K.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"With a long piece of fine linen, καθαρά Σινδών, in his hands, Joseph hurries from Pilate to Golgotha. In the meantime, the site has undergone a complete transformation. The guards, who had followed Pilate's commands and believed their duties were complete, have disappeared. The large crowds that had once filled the area have now scattered. The extraordinary occurrences surrounding the death of the God-Man sparked a deep instinctive response in these fleeting individuals, causing them to ‘beat their breasts’ and return home (Lk 23:48). The voices of the crowd's leaders have fallen silent, now merely basking in the triumph of their achievement. There is stillness at Golgotha. Only a few eyes linger sorrowfully on the body of the Dead One, and a handful of hearts race in anticipation of Joseph’s return. Standing nearby are Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the less and Josiah, along with other devoted women from Galilee (Mt 27:55-56, 61; Mk 15:40-41, 47). Also waiting is the beloved disciple and the blessed Mother, entrusted to him by her Son. Lastly, there stands another secret follower of the Lord, Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus under the cover of night."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The individuals present at the Lord's burial were devout women who had followed Jesus from Galilee. As a reward for their faithfulness, they were the first to receive the joyous news of the resurrection. Among these women were Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James; they positioned themselves by the tomb, observing the manner in which the lifeless body of the Teacher was laid to rest (Mt 27:61; Mk 15:47). Their presence at the burial site stemmed from more than mere curiosity; they were determined to learn the location of His resting place so that after the Sabbath, they could return with aromatic offerings to honor the memory of their Master by anointing His body. Following the burial, both the mourners and witnesses hurried home to prepare for the approaching Sabbath, which coincided with the Passover celebration. However, this sacred feast, which commemorated God's miraculous deliverance of their ancestors from Egypt, weighed heavily on the hearts of the faithful, reminding them of their profound loss. Joseph and Nicodemus carried sorrow within them for the one whom they had venerated. Their grief was intensified by witnessing the ordeal and brutal death of Jesus Christ, who suffered innocently, having committed no sin (1 Pet. 2:22). In this deep anguish, their acts of love and remembrance for the Divine sufferer provided some solace. Internally, they may have experienced a sense of fulfillment after their virtuous efforts. The closest disciples of the Lord, who had faithfully witnessed His miracles and teachings, were now retreating in fear of Jewish authorities (John 20:19), grappling with the shocking reality of that dreadful day. The one they had believed to be an omnipotent miracle worker had succumbed to a disgraceful death. All their hopes of earthly glory for Him and themselves were extinguished, replaced by a lingering emptiness. The travelers from Emmaus surely pondered, “We had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21). The comforting promises of the Lord about His resurrection and the assurance of a reunion expressed during the Last Supper appeared to conflict starkly with the grim reality, muffling their hearts under the weight of current despair. Disregarding the thoughts of resurrection or interpreting His predictions as Martha had understood them regarding the general resurrection at the end of time (John 11:24), the disciples found no solace in their memories; instead, they faced new fears, convinced that the malevolent enemies of Christ, after eliminating the despised Prophet of Galilee, would not spare His followers. The women, having observed where the body of Jesus was laid, returned from the tomb, eager to fulfill their intentions. They purchased fragrant oils and prepared spices for a fresh anointing of Christ’s body, driven by their boundless love, believing that their tribute was insufficient and that their zeal could offer him further honor. But what can compare the grief of these devoted souls to the sorrow of His Holy Mother? According to Simeon's prophecy (Luke 2:35), a sword of anguish pierced Her soul; She was bereft of all that was most precious to Her. Every thought and feeling of Her pure heart revolved around the grievous loss, as tears of sorrow streamed from Her eyes. The Holy Church, in its hymns, vividly expresses the lament of the most Honorable Cherubim and the most radiant Seraphim over the tomb of Her Son and Lord. ‘Where, my Son and God, is the promise given to me by Gabriel? You are called King, Son, and God Most High; yet now I see you, my beloved light, stripped and lifeless.’ ‘Behold, my beloved light, my hope, and my life—my God has died upon the cross.’ ‘I think, O Lord, that I will no longer hear your sweet voice or behold the kindness of your face, as I did before, your servant: for you have departed from my sight.’ ‘Now my expectations of joy and gladness, my Son and Lord, are dashed; woe is me, for my heart is heavy.’ ‘I have only hope and life, my Son and God, in the light of your servant, yet now I am deprived of you, my beloved child.’ ‘Sickness, sorrow, and lamentation have overtaken Me; woe is me, seeing you, My treasured child, stripped of life, solitary, and clinging to the odor of death.’ ‘When I behold you lifeless, O Loving One, who brings the dead to life and holds all creation, my heart is wounded; I wish to die with you, for I cannot bear to witness you dead and without breath.’ ‘My light and my joy have been laid in the tomb, yet I shall not abandon Him; there I shall die and be laid to rest.’ ‘He who wipes away sickness, take me with you, my Son and God, do not leave me alone; I cannot endure the thought of living without seeing you, my cherished light.’ The God-Man, who died and was buried in the flesh but encompasses all things by His divinity, heard the lamentations of His Immaculate Mother and spoke to her heart in a mysterious manner: ‘Do not weep for Me, O Mother, for in that womb, where you conceived without seed, I will rise again, and I will be glorified, exalting those who honor you without ceasing, as God, through faith and love. ‘Oh, how great is the bounty hidden from you! Although I save My creation, I will die, yet I shall rise again and glorify you, as the God of heaven and earth.’"},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Society of Jesus found itself in a state of deep despair after the loss of their Master. His disciples abandoned Him, scattering in fear as the soldiers arrived at Gethsemane to seize Him. During Jesus’ anguish, many of His followers were likely absent from Jerusalem. Among the few who stayed, one was consumed by guilt for his betrayal, while the other, witnessing the final moments of Jesus, grieved alongside His heartbroken mother. How tragic it is to remember the traitor who, filled with remorse, took his own life! Here stood those destined to inherit thrones in the kingdom of their Lord, now far removed from that promise. Their singular emotion was one of profound loss—the loss of Jesus, and with Him, the loss of all hope. This sorrow was intensified by the nagging reproaches of their own consciences. Each disciple grappled with the reality that they had lost everything through their connection to Jesus. All visions of the glorious Messiah’s reign crumbled before their eyes. They were left in a dire confusion, uncertain of how to escape their plight. Their faith in Jesus, once vibrant and full of hope, was now overshadowed, stripping them of the miraculous abilities that faith had once bestowed. They felt a void; there was no courage in their hearts, no miracle-working power in their hands, no support from influential allies, and no resources to procure their salvation—everything had been taken to the tomb by their Master. There was little expectation of kindness from their fellow countrymen, as they recognized their own fate mirrored His. Having shared close fellowship with their Divine Teacher, they had nurtured a sincere love for Him. How could they not cherish Him? He loved them with such fervor! His kindness was boundless! He imparted life-giving lessons and shielded them from His adversaries (Matthew 12:2, 3, etc.). He tended to them even in the shadow of His own suffering (Lk. 22:36, 31, 32. Jn. 13:18,19; 18:8, 9-11)! Who could hold love equal to theirs in response to His? To be unfeeling toward Him would be to display a heart colder than stone. To His disciples, He revealed profound mysteries; He treated them as beloved friends. And now, with Jesus gone, could they truly face the reflection of their actions towards Him? Each must grapple with the notion: I remained faithful, Divine Teacher, until Your final hour, sharing in all with You, only to have some unforeseen force wrench You away from us. Conversely, their consciences reminded them: you were unworthy for Him to remain with you forever. They recalled vividly the torments He endured on that final night of His presence among them: when He foretold that one would deny Him thrice, they all protested, “No, it cannot be!” (Matthew 26:35). How would they behave when Jesus was taken away? They were ready to relinquish all they had, letting go even their last garments, just to be free of His captors (Mark 14:51). As He sought to bring them close to share in the heavy burden of the impending suffering, they grew less able to engage. He asked them to pray alongside Him, yet they succumbed to sleep. He sought to convey the gravity of the moments ahead, but they remained oblivious (Luke 22). He foretold the intense suffering He would soon face, but they squabbled over which of them would hold the highest position in the heavenly realm. Ultimately, was it not a member of this very group who betrayed Him? All comfort and hope dissipated among the followers of Jesus in the wake of their Master’s loss, particularly in the hours following the harrowing events on Golgotha (Mark 16:10). The moment Jesus had warned them about at the Last Supper had arrived: you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices (John 16:20); you will search for Me, but cannot follow Me where I am going (John 13:33). Gradually, they began to gather again, yet their grief persisted whether they were together or alone. Those who had been close to Jesus shared in their sorrow, especially His Blessed Mother, who, witnessing His crucifixion, mourned deeply for the suffering of her beloved Son. The prophecy of Simeon rang true for her: a sword would pierce her soul. Every drop of Jesus’ blood weighed heavily on her heart. The humiliation and shame He faced as He was counted among the wicked was particularly poignant for her, as she had known from before His birth that He was the Son of God, and had anticipated that all generations would honor her through Him. Even while His own afflictions consumed Him, He found a way to shield His mother from witnessing His ultimate suffering, yet this gesture did little to ease her heartache. The mother of the apostles James and Judas, along with Salome—the mother of the other two apostles, James and John—likely gathered with the Blessed Virgin at John’s home in Jerusalem, collectively shedding tears. Those who had witnessed Jesus’ passions returned from the disgraceful scene, overwhelmed with grief: what torment must have filled the hearts of women bound to Him by blood, love, and high hopes? Among them was Mary Magdalene, whose fiery, loving spirit called Jesus her Lord and Healer; she stood at the foot of the cross alongside His Mother (John). The sisters of Lazarus, having returned their brother to life only to witness this fateful dispensation, and Joseph and Nicodemus—who had hidden their -relationship with Jesus—came forward, seeking to pay their final respects to the forsaken One. In essence, all who had known Jesus, each within their own measure, were enveloped in the profound sadness that had taken hold of the apostles."},{"author-name":"Nikolaj Alexandrow","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Following the confirmation of the crucified's death, their bodies were removed from the crosses to avoid desecrating the upcoming feast days. It is likely that the bodies of the thieves were interred at Golgotha. Two clandestine followers of Christ, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, ensured that the body of Jesus Christ received a respectful burial. Both were members of the Sanhedrin. The Gospel writer Mark refers to Joseph as ‘a prominent member of the council,’ while Luke describes Joseph as a good and just man who did not participate in the wrongful condemnation of Christ. Joseph approached Pilate to request permission to lay Christ to rest near Golgotha, in a garden that contained a newly hewn tomb meant for himself. Accompanied by Nicodemus, who had brought approximately one hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes for the burial, Joseph gently took Jesus' body down from the cross. They carefully carried Him to the cave and wrapped Him in linen with the fragrant substances, as was customary among the Jews (19:40). A large stone was then rolled to seal the entrance of the tomb. Additionally, some devout women, who were disciples of Christ, participated in the burial process."}]}
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