Holy Thursday

What a rending shock it is, on the night in which he is betrayed, when the master and miracle maker who throughout the Gospel of Mark has been a figure of mysterious, enigmatic power, says to his disciples, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death,” and goes off by himself, falls on the ground in agony, and asks God that he might not have to go through this trial. The God-man has been stripped of his divine power and authority, and is now only a man, and as a man must face abandonment, indignity, torture, and death.

And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

(Mark 14:32-42)

- end of initial entry -

April 6

David S. writes from England:

Your entry on the St Mark’s Gospel was timely and a reminder of how that night should trouble us but give to us a lifetime of reflection.

Posted by Lawrence Auster at April 05, 2012 09:34 PM | Send