The first mystery of the Passion and Death of Our Lord: Jesus accepts his suffering in the garden of Gethsemane
Three times Jesus prayed about the possibility of not suffering. Three times He concluded, “Not my will but thine be done.” We do not understand the mystery of suffering. We do not understand why our salvation had to come through agony and pain. But one thing we do know: Jesus accepted suffering to be faithful to his Father. We can share in the redemptive work of Jesus by joining our pains and afflictions with his. On the other hand, the refusal to accept difficulties is the cause of much sin. The lesson is obvious. Jesus accepted suffering; so must his disciples.
We pray to accept whatever suffering is necessary to be faithful to God’s will. Our Father
1. Jesus went with his disciples to Gethsemane and told them, “Sit here while I go yonder and pray.” Hail Mary
2. He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him, and He became sad and very troubled. Hail Mary
3. He told them: “My soul is sorrowful, even unto death. Wait here and stay awake with Me.” Hail Mary
4. And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed. Hail Mary
5. “Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will, but thine, be done.” Hail Mary
6. And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven to strengthen Him. Hail Mary
7. And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground. Hail Mary
8. Then He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, “Could you not watch one hour with Me? Hail Mary
9. “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.” Hail Mary
10. He went away a second time and a third time and prayed: “My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink it, thy will be done.” Hail Mary
Glory be
References: Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46
John F. Kippley
Seven Day Bible Rosary