Being Joe

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph… This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
—Luke 23.50, 52

In the aftermath of a tragedy, all it takes is one person to do the right thing. It may be someone to hand you the phone, someone to make travel arrangements, or someone to fill your glass with water. Or it may be someone like Joseph, who can take the body and place it in the tomb.

Maybe someone’s been a Joseph for you. Your life has been turned upside down by grief or loss, confusion or guilt, and there’s Joseph, asking how to help—not generically saying, “Call me if you need anything,” but being truly helpful. “I’ll take care of the laundry.” “I’ll pick up the kids.”

Tonight, I’m grateful for all Josephs—the one who buried Jesus’ body and the countless others who in the aftermath of tragedy are able to do what needs to be done. Name the Josephs in your life. Give thanks. Someone may need you to be Joe for them someday. It’s just what Jesus’ followers do.

Along the Way, I wish you God’s peace on today’s stage of your Lenten spiritual journey. May Christ’s companionship bless you with confidence for the day, comfort you in trouble, and put a spring of joy in your step.