XIV. Jesus is Laid in the Tomb

Nicodemus and St. John take Christ's body to the tomb that will become the Holy Sepulcher.  In the background we can see the Cross of Christ along with the two crosses that the thieves were crucified upon.  Notice the arc of the stone above Nicodemus's head: it is the entrance of the tomb that marks the boundary of life and death.  The Face of Christ has lost its color, and the rest of His Body is lifeless and cold.  Our lives can seem barren and only destined for the grave as well; yet, the Cross, the instrument of death, stands now as a trophy of everlasting life.  Easter comes, and with it our salvation.