Station One: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Art
Wieland Pavilion - Lower Level
Matthew 26:36-41
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Reflection
Bishop Bernard Shlesinger | Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta
Jesus had already set his face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) and had spoken of his impending death to his disciples (Matthew 16:21). Peter rebuked him (Matthew 16:22).
In this photo, a man has set his feet forward as if waking from sleep not knowing what is beyond the mist. He seems stopped in his tracks. What is holding him back? Although his feet are facing forward in the direction of the unknown, one might think that despite the direction of his feet he could be moving toward us.
Jesus was alone at a time when a watchful friend might be needed for consolation. Jesus’ deep sorrow and distress did not drive him to escape from the impending struggle; he did not run away into a fantasy world free from war, poverty or loneliness; he did not lose faith in his Father. In his agony, he simply put the question to his Father about the possibility of further discernment in the midst of gloom. In his surrender to the will of his Father which he previously called his food (John 4:34), he resigned himself to move forward as God directed. Let us allow the Lord to lead us and pray for the grace to follow in his footsteps by faith (Ps 23).