History
St. Joseph of Arimathea is known for taking it upon himself to ensure that Jesus received a proper burial, even in Joseph’s own tomb. It was the custom of the Jews to wrap a body in a linen shroud with spices, and this is exactly what Joseph did for his Lord with the help of Nicodemus, who brought the mixture of myrrh and aloes. Little else is known about Joseph for sure, although various traditions exist about what exactly happened to him after the short episode we are given in Scripture. Nevertheless, he is remembered first and foremost for his good deed of respecting the holy body of his Lord and is pictured in paintings and icons with some of the elements used in burial.
Myrrh is one spice that St. John specifically mentions in connection with Jesus’ burial. An extraction from the resin of a dessert tree, myrrh is a standard component of burial spices mixture known for its aroma. The amount Nicodemus brought would have been an extraordinary amount; it was an extravagant gift and was enough to spice the tomb thoroughly and to show that no expense was spared.
The role of myrrh in Jesus’ life is particularly interesting. It is used in his burial, but it also appears at the beginning of his life. As you recall, myrrh was one of the three gifts from the magi that foreshadowed the suffering and death he would endure. Myrrh appears in yet another place, at the cross itself when Jesus is given wine mixed with myrrh (Mark 15:23).
Even before Jesus’ birth, God commands his people in Exodus to perfume the tabernacle with a mixture consisting of myrrh, oil, and other spices. This was how Moses was to anoint the tent of meeting and thus consecrate it as holy. In Jesus’ life, it is seen pointing to his identity as a king, as one set apart, and as one who is to die.
Myrrh Balm
Myrrh is not only used as a burial spice. In addition to its fragrance, it is noted for its medicinal properties that aid in respiratory function, oral health, and antisepsis. When used in a balm, it can aid in combating inflammation and promote the youthful appearance of skin.
Always use caution when using essential oils. Myrrh espeically should be applied diluted using an oil medium, or in the case of a balm, it is contained within a saturated fat and an oil to create a creamy, spreadable lotion.
This simple recipe yields a 1% dilution of the myrrh but can also be split to combine with frankincense, another oil commonly used alongside myrrh. We used home-rendered tallow from beef drippings, but it can also be purchased online or in select stores.
Ingredients
1 cup tallow
¼ cup olive oil
48 drops myrrh essential oil
Instructions
- Melt the tallow until liquid in a double boiler. Remove from heat and stir in the olive oil. Add the myrrh oil, stir, and pour into your molds of choice such as small mason jars.
- Place the balm in the refrigerator to cool and solidify. Remove when cooled and store at room temperature.
