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Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word
Job 14:1-14 ; Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 ; 1 Peter 4:1-8 ; John 19:38-42
The Meditation
This week I am sharing thoughts from Archbishop William Temple's classic work Readings in St. John's Gospel.
Joseph of Arimathea was a timid disciple, like most of us. But he could not bear that the body of the Lord should be dishonored. He showed some courage in asking for the body, and his request was granted. The burial was somewhat hurried, with the Sabbath drawing near.
Had the power of darkness triumphed?
(W Temple, Readings in St. John's Gospel, pg. 354)
The stone is rolled, the seal affixed, the guard placed. Pilate's power is secure, and, perhaps in a jeering way after hearing the reports of Jesus' death, adds, "It is finished!"
The Church keeps vigil. We await the Third Day.
The Anthem
In the midst of life we are in death;
from whom can we seek help?
From you alone, O Lord,
who by our sins are justly angered.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty,
Holy and merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.
Lord, you know the secrets of our hearts;
shut not your ears to our prayers,
but spare us, O Lord.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty,
Holy and merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.
O worthy and eternal Judge,
do not let the pains of death
turn us away from you at our last hour.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty,
Holy and merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitterness of eternal death.
(The Burial of the Dead: Rite II, Book of Common Prayer, pg. 492)
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen | 
