Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:36–41
Reflection Prayer
Jesus, as You knelt before Your Father in the garden, I know Your Heart was filled with agony and pain. You knew what was to come and the excruciating pain You must suffer. But more than that, Your Heart suffered the agony of knowing Your children, who You loved so much would reject You, condemn You, torture You, and crucify You. You had given Your whole life to show them the way of love, the way of healing, the way of mercy, and now, You would show them the way of the cross.
The pain Your Heart suffered was also knowing that even after the victory You would have over death, You would still be rejected, even in this very day, this very hour, by so many of Your children! You wait, lonely day and night, waiting to be adored by Your children, waiting for them to come to visit You. You foresaw it all then.
Jesus, may my heart burn with love for You so that when I am able, I will always seek to visit You in Your tabernacle of love where You are present and ready to receive even the greatest of sinners. May my heart burn as Yours did that day in the garden of Gethsemane, so I may desire to love others so much that I am willing to endure suffering, pain, and hardship for their sake, so they may come to spend eternal life with You. May I surrender to Your will as You surrendered Yourself to the Father.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, help me surrender myself always to Your will, as You surrendered Yourself to Your Father.
Give me the faith to know that if God wishes to deliver me from suffering, He will do so.
Give me the courage to see suffering as a blessing, and to suffer it willingly as You did, so it may be a gift I can return to You, Jesus, to console Your agonizing Heart, so You may have mercy on me and all sinners throughout the world.
*Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition.
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