Jesus in Gethsemane: Mark 14:32-52

Imaginative Contemplation

Jesus and his friends went out to Gethsemane, a place familiar to all of them. Entering the Garden, he asked the Apostles to stay there and wait for him. How did the Apostles feel as he moved away from them?

Why did Jesus choose to take Peter, James and John with him?

Jesus knew that his death was near, and he was very afraid. He came back to his friends for support. How did Jesus feel when he found the men asleep? How did the men feel when Jesus woke them?

Why did the Apostles run away?

Imagine the scene as Judas came up to Jesus and kissed him. What was the reaction of each person who witnessed this?

 

Enter into the scene

After the Passover meal, Jesus led the Apostles to Gethsemane. The night was dark, and the apostles were tired. Jesus suggested, ‘Why don’t you take a rest? Just a few need to come further with me.’ Relieved, the men didn’t argue and were happy to see Peter, James and John accompany Jesus. The night was dark, but there seemed to be another darkness, too. Jesus rarely spoke about how he was feeling, but this night he shared his deep anxiety with his three close friends. ‘Stay with me, please, and pray.’

Jesus went on a few metres and then fell to the ground, begging his Father to save him from the ordeals ahead. Feeling desolate and alone, Jesus came back to his friends. They were asleep! Jesus felt so alone. No help here! The apostles woke up, feeling confused and ashamed. But Jesus, disappointed by their lack of support, went off, and they fell asleep again. After a very human struggle, Jesus accepted the Father’s will and returned to the tired men, who had been roused by the noise of some people coming up the road.

The eleven apostles were together again, and the twelfth member was with the advancing crowd. He came out to meet Jesus and kissed him. What was that about? Immediately there was chaos. Someone grabbed Jesus, holding him tightly. Peter retaliated, cutting off the servant’s ear. Jesus said, ‘Why have you come out with weapons to arrest me? You didn’t try to do this in the Temple!’

In the noise and confusion, the Apostles all ran away, appalled that Judas’ action had resulted in the arrest of Jesus. No one was there for Jesus except for one young man whom the guards tried to arrest as well. But he ran off into the night.

For further reflection

Discuss with Jesus the following points:

  • Am I able to stay awake and listen to people’s stories?

  • Do I have special friends in whom I can confide?

  • Do I use the Examen to share my day with the Lord?

  • How can I break the circle of violence?

  • How do I react when I am betrayed, let down or abandoned?

Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation. Amen.