From A Distance

Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, ‘Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise again.” Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, “He has been raised from the dead”, and the last deception would be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone. Matthew 27:55-66

While Joseph of Arimathea claimed the body of Jesus, the women looked on from a distance. They were all very fearful as they lived in occupied territory and could be easily arrested. Joseph was wealthy and powerful, so could do what they could not. He was able to get an audience with the Roman governor, Pilate, and money was probably exchanged. With much money comes much privilege. Some people use their privilege for good, as Jospeh did, and others for their own selfish schemes. The day had been so traumatic and horrific, the disciples and the others did not know what to do. They were in fear for their lives. Joseph blessed them all by using his rank for the care of others. May we all follow Jospeh's lead by using the influence we have for the good of others who cannot speak up without fear of reprisal.

Gracious Creator, you place good people among us

who can wield their wealth and influence for others

who live well and love community even better

and who strive to change the world and bring peace.

Too often wealth and privilege is used to abuse

to make the weak weaker and the wealthy richer

to tear down beneficial institutions and charities

taking huge profits, allowing the poor to go hungry.

May we all use our influence for the care of all

may our hearts be moved by the needs around us

may we see how we can help in traumatic times

and be those who bring peace to our hurting world. Amen.