1. Agony in the garden
"Jesus came to a place named Gethsemane, and he said to the disciples , " Sit here while I pray.". He took with him Peter, James, and John and began to be troubled and distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch.". After returning to find the disciples asleep, Jesus said, "Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."
I sometimes wonder what might have happened if the apostles had stayed awake. I'm sure they would have heard the crowd with swords and clubs who had been sent to arrest Jesus. I mean it had to have been a decent size crowd. Surely they would have heard them coming.
How often have you been too tired or too distracted to spend time with Jesus in prayer? Heed Jesus' words keep watch and pray that you will not undergo the test. The Evil one is quite clever. He will distract you with all sorts of activities so that you forget to pray. Don't fall into his trap, because evil and selfishness will surround you and you will never see it coming. Ask Mary to help you put Christ above all else in your life.
II. Scourging at the Pillar
"Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas and had Jesus scourged." The guards were close enough to Jesus while they scourged Him, that they were splattered with His blood. It's hard to understand this scene. The guards watched Jesus bleed and suffer and then laughed. Who could do this? Maybe we need to look only as far as a mirror's reflection. Have you ever betrayed someone? Cut someone deeply with your words or actions and then watched them suffer and cry? Is it easier to whip and wound others with lies, prejudices, and intolerance then offer acceptance, understanding, or forgiveness?
Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.
III. Crowning of Thorns
"The soldiers led Jesus away inside the palace. They clothed Him in purple and weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on Him. They began to salute Him with "Hail King of the Jews!" and kept striking His head with a reed and spitting on Him."
Mystics tell us, that had Jesus not been crucified, He would have died from the piercing of one of the thorns in His head. A thorn is something that wounds, annoys, or causes discomfort. It is a source of continual irritation or suffering. How do we treat each other and those around us? On our last day, will Jesus smile and call us"friend" or will He pull a thorn from His Sacred Head? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.
IV. Carrying of the Cross
The crowds gathered down the streets watching Jesus carry His heavy cross. They were not attracted by His love, His words, or His Plan of salvation. They watched as Evil tried to destroy Good. Why is it easier to sit and be a spectator then to "fight the good fight"? Don't let evil prevail. Pick up your cross and when you have the strength help someone carry their's as well. Pray for the Kingdom of God to reign over the evil in this world. Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.
V. The Crucifixion
Around the cross stood several groups of people. Who would you say most resembles yourself? Our Mother Mary who always remained faithful. Who spent her whole life praying and accepting God's Will even though it would cause her tremendous pain. Or are you like the faithful disciples John and Mary Magdalen, never abandoning your Lord even when your friends have? Are you like the criminal on the cross who will not recognize the Savior until your life is about to end? Or perhaps like the other criminal who was more interested in miracles and his earthly life, then the salvation of his soul? Are you like the Roman soldiers who took a chance gambling over possessions rather then notice that God was in their midst? Are you like the soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross because they listened to the will of men over the Will of God? Are you like some who just stood and watched wanting to be part of the drama for the sake of attention and pretense? Or those who watched from far away because they were afraid that others would know that Jesus was their Lord and Savior? Or are you like the Roman soldier, who only after piercing the heart of Jesus, recognized that truly this man was the Son of God? Take a look at which group of people you find yourself standing next to. Now take a look at Jesus suffering on the cross. I mean really look at Him. Now decide where you would like to be standing and ask Mary to help you. Please, watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.
*Quotes taken from the Gospel of Mark
*Quotes taken from the Gospel of Mark
