36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, “Stay here while I go and pray over there.” 37When he took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, he began to feel sad and anxious. 38Then he said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert with me.” 39Then he went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However—not what I want but what you want.
Reflection
In this passage, we see a contemplative Jesus reckoning with sadness and anxiety through prayer. Armed with the knowledge of what was to come, Jesus retreats to Gethsemane to speak with God, pray for peace, and follow the divine plan.
Even in the midst of this tremendous sorrow, Jesus models a crucial aspect of faith: submission to the will of God. We are called to surrender and trust that there is a greater plan in the works, even if we are not able to see it. We may often find ourselves too in this predicament, stuck between what we want and what we believe God is asking of us. In times like these, find a quiet space and communicate your fears so that you may gain clarity through God’s transformation.
In what areas of your life do you feel called to trust in the greater plan, and how can prayer help you develop that trust? I often find myself praying for the nation and world, hoping for reconciliation but recognizing that I am not in control. Instead of falling hopelessly into despair, I will continue praying and accept the difficulty knowing that the world will be better for it in the future. Remember that this cup of suffering brought us the most invaluable gift: salvation!
by Thomas Hoskinson
For Pondering and Prayer
As I think about my own life journey, I recognize that there are moments where my own needs became so pressing that I forgot about the “big picture.” Though it’s difficult to reflect on hard times, these experiences have taught me many valuable lessons and reinforced my reliance on God. My hope for you is that your difficult times will yield abundant resilience, faith, and courage. I leave you with this prayer:
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your sacrifice and the inspiration to lead a prayerful life. I surrender to your will, trusting that there is a plan in place for me and all people. Align my wishes and purposes with yours so that I may play my part in bringing hope and transformation to the world. Please forgive me for my failures and guide my path. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
