Jesus in the Garden, Day 2

Station 1, Day 2

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”[1]

Meditation

            Jesus goes off by himself to pray, a short distance from his disciples. In agony, he sweats profusely, knowing what is in store. The pain and the humiliation he is about to endure has already been revealed to him. He begins his prayer with a request for mercy, pleading, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.” Even God incarnate in Jesus did not wish to enter this trial unless it was absolutely necessary. He concludes his prayer with submission, stating, “Yet, not my will but yours be done.” Remarkably, once he submits, an angel from heaven gives him strength.

            Sometimes we put off doing that which we know must be done. Jesus came to earth to allow us to grow closer to God, and for God to experience the best and worst this earthly life has to offer through us. By knowing how Jesus suffered in his final hours, we know that God empathizes with us during our worst hours of suffering. God has been there through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Spiritual discipline

Meditate for 10 minutes on a current trial or challenge you are facing. Perhaps an illness, a troubled relationship, or a difficult decision that is pending and weighing heavily upon you. How are you being judged in this trial? As you experience it, what are you learning about yourself? How will this trial strengthen you? Are you afraid? Will it cause pain? How might this fit within God’s will?

Prayer

God of power and might, give me strength in my time of trial. Help me understand how to submit to your will and to faithfully do what you call me to do. Remind me of your presence, every step of the way. Remind me that you have walked this way before. Amen.

This is the 5^thin a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes. Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Luke 22:39-46