Watch with him through the night of suffering

Watch with him through the night of suffering

In my more self-righteous and holier-than-thou moments I sometimes think to myself that, had I been with Jesus before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42), when the disciples were asked to keep watch whilst he prayed, I would not have fallen asleep as they did. But then I wake up and get a reality-check. Those people who were with Jesus were far greater people than I could ever aspire to be. And if even they can fall asleep at such a time, what chance would I have — I’d have probably slept through all of the events to come as well.

So, if, in reality, I would probably fail on that part of the clause, and fall asleep while watching through the night of suffering, I can only hope and pray for more success with the final part of the prayer — and be faithful. I know I’m not always totally successful at remaining faithful, but I do try very hard. Sometimes being faithful can cost us in various ways, but those costs seem so small compared to the price Jesus paid for each and every one of us. I hope and pray, when it’s asked of me, that I will be able to remain faithful to Jesus, even when I fail to stay awake and watchful.

God our Father,
your Son Jesus Christ was obedient to the end
and drank the cup prepared for him:
may we who share his table
watch with him through the night of suffering
and be faithful. Amen.

Additional Collect for Maundy Thursday
is Copyright © The Archbishops Council