Prayer in Gethsemane

Yesterday we heard of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas in the gospel of John. Today we hear the same story through the words of Matthew in chapter 26:14-25. It is also contained in the gospels of Mark and Luke so it was obviously an event that had a strong impact on Jesus himself and on the christian community. Immediately after the Last Supper when Jesus spoke of the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter, he went to the garden of Olives where his prayer turned to such agony that he sweated drops of blood and he asked his Father to take away the cup of suffering. Was his suffering caused by his fear of death or was it also because he feared that his mission was in vain? Who would continue his work on earth? The chosen group of apostles that he had been forming for several years was showing itself to be failing and deserting him.Those he had asked to support him in his prayer at this time of great dificulty had fallen asleep. When he was arrested they fled. But he continued to pray in confidence to his Father who strengthened him and he was able to say, ''My Father, may your will be done.'' After their fear and frailty, the apostles were filled with the force of the Spirit at Pentecost and continued the mision of Jesus on earth giving their lives as Jesus had done. May our participation in the events of Holy Week inspire us to do all that we can to continue the saving mission of the Risen Jesus in the corner of the world entrusted to us.