The Agony of His Heart in the Garden of Gethsemane (First Station)

By: Laura Durant

The reflection below uses the first station of Scriptural Stations of the Cross proposed by Saint Pope John Paul II, which he based solely on the events recorded in the gospels. The Scriptural Stations are an alternative to the traditional stations and serve as opportunity to reflect more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of the Passion of Jesus Christ.

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.” (Matthew 26:36-41)

Reflection
Jesus, as you knelt before your Father in the garden, I know Your Heart was filled with agony and pain. You knew what was to come and the excruciating pain You must suffer. But more than that, Your Heart suffered the agony of knowing Your children whom You loved so much would reject You, condemn You, torture You and crucify You. You had given Your whole life to show them the Way of Love, the Way of Healing, the Way of Mercy, and now, You would show them the Way of the Cross.

The pain Your Heart suffered also was knowing even after the victory You would have over death, You would still be rejected, even in this very day, this very hour...
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