Watch with him through the night of suffering

Watch with him through the night of suffering

When I’m feeling particularly self-righteous and holier-than-thou, 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 when I find myself thinking that way, I have to stop and give myself something of a reality check. Those that Jesus asked to keep awake and watchful were far better people than I could ever aspire to be.

Peter, James and John had walked the earth with Jesus, lived their lives in close proximity to him. And they’d left their former lives to be with Jesus. I always imagine that Jesus was an incredibly charismatic person, and those who were with him as he walked the earth would have been utterly devoted to him. And, yet, when he asked them to stay awake and watch, they fell asleep. If people who had experienced the sort of relationship with Jesus as they had could fall asleep in his hour of need, what chance would I have? I’d have probably slept through all of the traumatic events to come as well.

So, if, in reality, I would most likely fail on that part of the prayer, 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 willingly 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