THE BURIAL OF CHRIST

The sepulchre symbolizes death to the world and, therefore, the contemplation of Divine things. This is the result of a life of good works.

There are three steps before one may attain to this life of being dead to the world and alive to the things of God. The first is symbolized by the anointing of the body of Christ which corresponds to the anointing of one's body with virtues through a life of prayer, fasting and good works.

Then Christ's body was wrapped with a sheet of fine linen. This symbolizes purity of mind and the brightness of wisdom.

Then the preservation of the body was to follow. . .which did not take place in the case of Christ because he had resurrected; this would symbolize a life of mortifying the external senses for the preservation of whatever spiritual gain that has been attained.

St. Thomas Aquinas

( 11-25-02)