Page 120 - laten-08-06-2020
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Conclusion
               Every individual plays multiple roles in one’s life. Roles
        are  defined  by  our  existence  as  ordinary  human  being,  our
        associations  with  religion,  placing  oneself  in  faith  system,  in
        terms of possessions and social positions. Joseph of Arimathea
        displayed a pro-Jesus behaviour in all the roles he inherited.
        While occupying different positions, many a times we forget
        that we are fundamentally human beings. Mostly, the human
        element of individuals comes as last component of consideration.
        Joseph of Arimathea exhorts us to do the opposite. His example
        compels us to consider the dignity of suffering humanity as
        vital. While religion helps people mould their life, its wrong
        application pause a threat in decision in social interactions. As a
        Jew, keeping the Sabbath pure was imperative whereas touching
        the corpse polluted the person. Joseph dared being polluted
        that he took the body away from cross. A pro Jesus religious
        observance is expressed in Joseph of Arimathea.
                Many belong to the group of disciples who would
        follow when everything is fine and leaves  when things go
        wrong. This secret disciple was present in the crucial hours of
        Christ event. One’s availability when no one is there proves the
        real discipleship. Wealth brings in much privilege. For Joseph,
        owning a tomb in town was his mark of wealth. He turned it as
        an offering for the body of Jesus to be kept. To let go ones wealth
        for the salvific mission is noteworthy. The public acceptance one
        acquires by virtue of one’s social positions is purposefully being
        hidden on faces of difficult situations. Joseph meticulously used
        his influence. Ignoring adverse responses he claimed the body
        of Jesus so that he could offer an honourable burial. The voice
        of someone in position can bring visible impact on community
        life.


        Prayer
               God our heavenly father, you have placed us with various
        responsibilities. While being faithful to our calling, help us to
        keep a pro Jesus approach in everything we do. We ask this in
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                        Lenten Meditations   Re - Imaging People
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