Guardian Angel

Where would we be without good friends who come to our aid in times of need?

Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. - John 19:38-42

We don't hear about Joseph of Arimathea throughout Jesus' life.  He pops on the scene after Jesus is dead, and we learn he is a secret disciple.

In a way, he is like a guardian angel who watches over him from a distance, and then comes at a time of need to lend a hand.  In this case, he offers a safe place for them to place the body of Jesus.

Perhaps Joseph is the example we are supposed to follow, the good neighbor that Jesus came to instruct us in being.  He comes along when he the family needs him most, when the job they needed to do was so hard for them, since they were covered in grief.

We don't often think of being like Joseph of Arimathea, but maybe we should.  He is the perfect example of humility, standing in the shadows, coming to the fore when no one else can.

What he does is a reminder that it is never too late to come to one's aid.  How often do we beat ourselves up for not reaching out to a friend or family member in time, before they pass?

Maybe we could still be of service after that point where we think it is too late.

Joseph is who we should think of in those moments.  

More to come...