the agony in the garden

“Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And Peter fell asleep. And the other Apostles. And you, little friend, fell asleep . . . and I too was another sleepy headed Peter.

Jesus, alone and sad, suffers and soaks the earth with his blood.

Kneeling on the hard ground, he perseveres in prayer . . He weeps for you . . . and for me. The weight of the sins of men overwhelms him.

Pater, si vis, transfer calicem istum a me: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me . . .. Yet, not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

An angel from heaven comforts him. Jesus is in agony. He continues prolixius, praying more intensely . . .. He comes over to us and finds us asleep: “Rise”, he says again, “and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:46).

Judas the traitor: a kiss. Peter’s sword gleams in the night. Jesus speaks: “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?” (Mark 14:48).

We are cowards: we follow him from afar but awake and praying, Prayer . . . Prayer . . ..