Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It’s a time of reflection and self-assessment. We look within to where we need to acknowledge our failings, repent, and strive to do better.
Following is an excerpt from the book, The Rosary Prayer by Prayer which focuses on the third mystery of the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Agony in the Garden. In Scripture, this is just before Jesus was arrested.
The excerpt includes the reflection on this event followed by a recording of the Scripture reading when Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives.
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Reflection
“Just prior to his arrest, Jesus went with his disciples into a garden to pray. Jesus was in misery knowing what was about to happen. He asked God to spare him. But he also said that he would accept whatever his Father wanted of him.
The intense sadness, stress, and perhaps fear that Jesus experienced is evident. Luke describes Jesus’ agony as so severe that his sweat became like drops of blood.
Both Matthew and Mark’s Gospels say that Jesus told his disciples how he felt and begged for their support.
However, the disciples did not comprehend the magnitude of what was to occur. Instead of praying with him, they fell asleep. Jesus’ closest companions failed him in his greatest time of need.
God does not fail us. Jesus teaches us to go to the Father when we are sad, worried, or troubled. Prayer is powerful. God will hear and answer us, although sometimes in ways other than what we had hoped.
Many innocent people suffer incomprehensible illnesses, tragedies, and heartaches. How have you suffered? Who do you know that is in pain? How do you pray to the Father when you are troubled or when others are? Do you do what God asks of you, no matter what that may mean?
Prayer
Father, help me. I need you and trust in you.”
*Illustration by Joseph Cannella
Tormented with grief, Jesus prays to his Father.
Listen to this passage from the book of Luke 22:39-46
*Illustration by Joseph Cannella
Tormented with grief, Jesus prays to his Father.
©2024, Mary K. Doyle
*Here is a post I wrote in 2020 with photos of the Garden of Gethsemane from my pilgrimage to Israel.
Midwest Mary 
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