August 31
Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus
The actions of these two influential Jewish leaders give insight into the charismatic power of Jesus and his teachings—and the risks that could be involved in following him
Joseph
was a respected, wealthy civic leader who had become a disciple of
Jesus. Following the death of Jesus, Joseph obtained Jesus' body from
Pilate, wrapped it in fine linen and buried it. For these reasons Joseph
is considered the patron saint of funeral directors and pallbearers.
More important is the courage Joseph showed in asking Pilate for Jesus'
body. Jesus was a condemned criminal who had been publicly executed.
According to some legends, Joseph was punished and imprisoned for such a
bold act.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and, like Joseph, an important
first-century Jew. We know from John's Gospel that Nicodemus went to
Jesus at night—secretly—to better understand his teachings about the
kingdom. Later, Nicodemus spoke up for Jesus at the time of his arrest
and assisted in Jesus' burial. We know little else about Nicodemus.
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