Greetings!
Thank you for continuing to journey with us through the season of Advent. You are now journeying together with members of over 60 different congregations in multiple dioceses. As we come together in reflection and prayer, we join our voices in praise as we await the joyful coming.
Christian Formation Commission |
Scripture
He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.' Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, 'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.' Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, 'Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.'
While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, 'Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?' When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, 'Lord, should we strike with the sword?' Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, 'No more of this!' And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, 'Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!'
Luke 22:39-53
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This reading tells us about Jesus going to the Mount of Olives with his disciples following him. Jesus withdrew from his disciples and went off to pray by himself asking God to take the bitter cup from him. However, an angel appeared to him and gave him strength to continue the journey. During this time, the disciples continued to sleep. They were awakened by Jesus and very shortly after, Judas arrived with the chief priests to arrest him.
Luke presents Jesus as full of compassion, love, and patience in dying just as he was in living. He is in command of the situation and is not seized by the guards until he gives himself over to them. Luke emphasizes the serenity of Jesus's death, recalling his total confidence in God's plan as he stretches his arms wide to embrace all humanity. May we at this Advent season, open our arms to those around us who are hurting and in need of a Savior.
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Prayer
Thy way, O Lord, not mine. Thy will be done, not mine.
Since Thou for me did bleed, and now do intercede.
Each day I simply plead, Thy will be done.
Thy way, O Lord, not mine. Let Glory all be Thine.
Keep me, lest I may stray, near Thee from day to day.
Teach me to watch and pray. Thy will be done.
Text: Nina B. Jackson
Tune: THY WAY; 66.666 4 with refrain: Edward C. Deas
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