The event of Christ’s Descent from the Cross and Burial is odd and praiseworthy, because it was not looked after by His Disciples, but by two counsellors of the High Court of the Jewish nation, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus. The Apostle St. Peter was still in tears for his denial and the rest of the Apostles were scattered, as was foretold by their Teacher, “I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad” (Matth. 26:31). According to the Jewish law, “cursed is every one that is hanged on a tree” “(Gal. 3: 13). The two counsellors of the High Court, moved by their philanthropic feelings for the crucified and abandoned – by – all ...
