ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
Maundy Thursday Etching #3
Jesus in the Garden
Scripture: Luke 22:41-42
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.”
A Reflection: Jesus had invited his disciples to slip away to a quiet place where they could find rest and some prayerful reflection. Anguish and fear would have produced adrenaline in those hours before the arrest of Jesus, yet there was a point in which the bodies and the spirits of the disciples started to slip. It was hard for them to stay awake, even though it was the request of Jesus. Yet Jesus went off by himself and was fully awake and engaged in prayer. As we sit in the shadows cast by the events ahead, I hope you will take some time for quiet reflection and prayer. Though I’m sure some of us could use this time for a nap, my hope is for all of us to follow Jesus’ example and speak honestly with God in a time of prayer.
Prayer: Let my spirit find rest in you, O God, as I meet you in this time of prayer. Amen.
