Jesus in Gethsemane: Matthew 26:36-56
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
After celebrating the Passover meal, Jesus asked the Apostles to pray with him in Gethsemane. Did they go willingly, or were they apprehensive? What was the weather like?
There was an uneasiness about Jesus. How did the Apostles feel as he moved away from them?
Jesus asked Peter, James and John to come with him. He said to them, ‘The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and watch with me.’ How far did they go with him?
Jesus went on further. Could the three friends see where he was? Did they hear what he was saying? What was he saying?
Jesus fell to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, take this cup away from me. But not what I want, but what you want.’ What is this ‘cup’? what does it contain?
Why do you think that Jesus was so stressed?
Jesus went back to the three men and found them sleeping. How did Jesus react? How did the Apostles feel when Jesus woke them?
Jsus said to Peter, ‘How is it that you three were not able to watch with me for one hour? Keep watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ How did the three friends feel as Jesus was speaking to them?
Jesus went back to where he had been, and prayed again. ‘My Father, if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.’
Did the friends hear this, or were they already asleep?
Jesus returned a third time. The three were still asleep. How do you think that Jesus felt at finding them inattentive yet again?
Jesus woke them and said, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinful men. Get up. Let us go. Look, here is the man who is betraying me.’
How did the Apostles feel as they heard a group of armed men coming up the hill?
Jesus was still speaking when Judas pushed his way to the front of the intruders. He had instructed them to arrest the man whom he would kiss. So now, Judas went straight to Jesus and said, ‘Peace be with you, teacher!’ and kissed him. How did the apostles react?
Jesus said, ‘Be quick about it, friend.’ Would you have expected this reply? What other response could there have been?
The armed group seized and captured Jesus. What was the scene like?
Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of the High Priest’s servant. Is violence a good response to violence?
Jesus said, ‘Put your sword away, because all who take the sword will die by the sword. I could call on my Father and he could rescue me from all of this. But that is not God’s will.’ How did the apostles feel as Jesus seemed to allow his capture?
The apostles all left him and ran away. What did they do? Where did they go?
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· How do I react when someone lets me down?
· Do I take time to be alone in prayer? DO I have a special quiet place where I can speak with God?
· Do I trust God that he will strengthen me through prayer to deal with daily events?
· Can I stay with people in their time of need?
· Do I pray that God’s will may be done through me?
· Jesus said ‘Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.’ Can I see this happening in the world today?
Prayer
Father in Heaven, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.