On the Road to Jerusalem One Friday in Spring
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted - Isaiah
Those coming into the city
may have wondered about the small group
on the hill,
wondered idly about who was being executed
so close to the sabbath,
and at the feast-time, too.
Perhaps they shuddered at the thought
of such a shameful death
coming to them or theirs.
Perhaps they felt pity
that anyone would die that way.
Perhaps they stopped a moment to taunt.
Did they notice
a knot of women
standing close,
oblivious to the soldiers,
or to the mockers,
lost in their grief,
waiting?
Did they notice
how the sky darkened,
as if even the heavens
longed to weep?
The First Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
1. Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemani; and He began to experience sorrow and distress.
(Mt. 26: 36-37)
2. Then He said to them, My heart is nearly broken with sorrow. Remain here and stay awake with Me. (Mt. 26: 38)
3. He withdrew from them and knelt down and prayed. (Lk. 22:41)
4. Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Still, let it be as You would have it, not as I. (Mt. 26:39)
5. When He returned to His disciples, He found them asleep. He said to Peter, So you could not stay awake with Me for even an hour? Be on guard and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but nature is weak.
(Mt. 26: 40-42)
6. In His anguish, He prayed more earnestly. An angel appeared to Him, coming from Heaven to give Him strength.
(Lk. 22: 44,43)
7. The hour is on us when the Son of Man is to be handed over to the power of evil men. (Mt. 26:45)
8. While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived accompanied by a great crowd with swords and clubs.
(Mt. 26: 47)
9. He immediately went over to Jesus, said to Him, Peace, Rabbi, and embraced Him. (Mt. 26: 49)
10. Jesus answered, Friend, do what you are here for. At that moment they stepped forward to lay hand on Jesus and arrest Him. (Mt. 26: 50)