Joseph of Arimathaea

Seeker of Truth and Benefactor of the Lord
Memorial observed on Thursday of the Fifth Week of Gracetide

We read about Joseph of Arimathea, the "noble counselor," in all four Gospels. As with many of the Biblical figures, numerous legends accrued around his name in later years. Joseph was a wealthy member of the temple council and a secret follower of Jesus because he was afraid of persecution from Jewish officials. He attended the Crucifixion, and legend has it that he caught Jesus’ blood as he hung upon the cross. Joseph persuaded Pontius Pilate to let him have Jesus’ body, wrapped it in linen and herbs, and laid it in a tomb carved in a rock in the side of a hill, a tomb that he had prepared for himself. Later tradition has embellished the biblical account to add that Joseph was a distant relative of Jesus, who derived his wealth from tin mines in Cornwall, which he visited from time to time. Is there any merit to the legends of Joseph? Perhaps. Tin, an essential ingredient of bronze, was highly valued in ancient times, and Phoenician ships imported tin from Cornwall. It is not unreasonable to believe that some first-century, Jewish Christians might have been investors in the Cornwall tin trade. Christianity gained a foothold in Britain very early, perhaps, in part, because of the commerce in tin. If so, then the early British Christians would have a tradition that a wealthy Jewish Christian had evangelized them. Having forgotten his name, they might have consulted the Scriptures and found that Joseph and Barnabas fit the description. Because much of the life of Barnabas was already described by the Acts of the Apostles making him an unlikely candidate, only Joseph was left. Thus, Christians seeking an immediate connection with their Lord, grasped on to Joseph as their evangelizer.

Prayer of the Day
Merciful God, your servant Joseph of Arimathaea reverently prepared the body of the Savior for burial, and laid it in his own tomb. Grant that we, your faithful people, may be filled with the grace and courage to love and serve the Messiah with sincere devotion all the days of our life. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 16: 5-11
Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 4: 10-18
Gospel Reading: Luke 23: 50-56

Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer
It is indeed right and salutary
that we should at all times and in all places
offer thanks and praise to you,
O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God.

On this day we celebrate the memory of Saint Joseph of Arimathaea,
who abided in expectation for the coming of the Kingdom,
and who, filled with justice and truth, loved Jesus to the end,
ministering to him even after the scandal of the cross.

Thus, in union with Joseph,
and all the angels and saints,
we raise our voice,
and join in their unending hymn.