Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. (Luke 23: 50-54)

Some understand this to mean that Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Council that had voted to give Jesus to the Romans to be killed.

He was waiting for or expecting - prosdechomai - the reign of God. This also means receiving, accepting, or allowing. More literally it means to take with the hand.

Jesus often taught, "the kingdom of God is at hand." Joseph grasped the kingdom with his hand. He asked for the bloody body of Jesus.

In the Eucharist we have the opportunity to receive the body of Jesus. In serving those who are hungry, thirsty, and imprisoned we may clasp the hand of Jesus.

Even in the midst of trouble, tragedy and death we have the opportunity to reach out, to accept, and to experience the kingdom of God.

Above are Joseph and others deposing the body of Jesus by Duccio di Buoninsegna.