Graven
Andrea Mantegna, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Andrea_Mantegna_-_The_Lamentation_over_the_Dead_Christ_-_WGA13981.jpg .
Graven
Jesus lay in borrowed tomb
His body still from the wounds
of suffering, agony, and death
shrouded in cloth and darkness
cold, lifeless, and without breath.
The savior lay in solemn rest
deep within the earthen womb
behind the sealed limestone
His body laid bare and alone
in anticipation of the morning
and the removal of the stone
when the Spirit’s power shone
animating sinew, flesh, and bone
birthing new life in resurrection
defeating guilt, sin, and death
altering history—charting new direction
all of creation breathing Spirit’s breath.
©️April 8, 2023, Robbie Pruitt
“They took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.” (John 19:40-42, ESV).
A Collect for Holy Saturday: “O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
Andrea Mantegna, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Andrea_Mantegna_-_The_Lamentation_over_the_Dead_Christ_-_WGA13981.jpg.
