Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written,

‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

-Matthew 26:31-46

(please read through the passage 3 times using the practice of lectio divina)

Reflection

As we move through the days of Holy Week, we see Jesus live out each trait from the beatitudes. While we might see purity as piety that dons a halo and keeps its distance from sinners, Jesus demonstrates here that it is a devotion to God so fierce that it throws him into the dirt, struggling to do God’s will.

It is also here that Jesus mourns. In modern language Jesus says something like, “I’m so sad it feels like I’m dying. Please stay here with me.” Three times he asks his friends to stay awake with him, and each time they fail.

Action (Commune)

What would it mean for you to imitate Jesus today? Is there an area where you are struggling to do God’s will? As a way of loving God, can you ask God for the purity to desire God’s will above all? Can you take some time now to give yourself to prayer about this matter?

Do you find yourself sad or anxious or grieving? Can you say this openly to those walking with you, and ask them to keep watch with you? What might this mean practically? Can you ask for those things? If your companions reveal their struggles, can you keep watch with them?