A Meditation on Gethsemane

Gethsemane. Here into this place where olives were grown and crushed Jesus came.
Here where the olive oil was produced through the loading of weights onto the shoulders of the press Jesus came.
Here where the precious oil was produced which was used in the lamps which lit the way Jesus came.
Here the heavy weight of what he had to face crushes him under its weight.
The anguish produced drops of bloody sweat as his whole body suffered as the emotional burden grew more intense.
And Jesus, knowing that with God anything is possible asked, no pleaded with loud cries and tears for an alternative.
"DADDY! Anything is possible with you! Take this cup from me!"
He only had two choices: to avoid the cross and remain in fellowship with the Father whilst letting humanity pay the price for their own sins or to accept the fate of humiliation, separation and death on their behalf.
There were others with him in the garden to whom he had said "The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch with me."

At this point I used a poem Gethsemane which I found on the internet site
click for the poem

May we who know Jesus remain awake to what he has done for us;
Be aware of the act of pure divinity as he said  “"My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done."
And acknowledge his saving grace.

A Meditation on the Third Word from the Cross

I had to come. To be here. Yet I can do nothing for Him. As he hangs there in agony I have to stand and watch. I cannot even wash the blood and dirt from his poor face. I have to remain silent as others taunt him.

Why? There are so many questions, so much time to think. I don't understand, yet I know I must wait as he hangs there, suffering, dying, but why?

"This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against, and so reveal their secret thoughts."

That's what the old man Simeon said when he was presented at the temple. He said something about sorrow, oh yes I remember "And sorrow like a sharp sword will break your own heart" How true, how can I just stand here watching, waiting, yet how can I do otherwise? and if these words are true what about those others.

I can see his muscles cramp. his face twist in pain, if only I could relieve that pain, just for an instant. Why do they taunt him, surely some of those who mock were in the temple that time he was left behind in Jerusalem when he was 12, they marvelled then at his wisdom. It was I who complained at him then telling him how much worry he had caused, does he know how sorry I am for the times I was angry with him, for the times I scolded when I didn't understand. Why do they jeer now?

His birth was heralded by light, the angel that said, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God", the joy I was given then, will this unnatural darkness put it out? Is this what the gift of myrrh was for? But then what about the gold, the frankincense?

He is so different from my other sons, he gives so much, that wedding at Canaa, why could not one of them have stood with me to help me through this time, were they ashamed to be associated with their brother?

I can feel his every breath, see his every heartbeat as his chest moves - flutters unsteadily as his life ebbs away. There have been times when I have felt excluded from his life, when the crowds seemed to have all his attention. But wait his eyes - he wants to say something - he looks at John, the only one who has come here today of those who followed, the one to whom he is closest - he looks at me. What is it he wants, those eyes command us to listen

"He is your Son" - He looks at John - "She is your mother" it is a command, though it is barely audible, those eyes command - He has given again

Thank you for your shoulder, your arm around mine, I can feel His touch, our tears mingle - thank you.

It is finished

It is finished
A cry of triumph
A word of resignation.
It is done.
The work has been accomplished.
Jesus has endured and overcome
It is finished. It is done.
He has not given into temptation
He has not given up on those he came to save.
It is finished, it is done.
We can go now to the Father, through the Son.
The temple curtain has been torn in two
Salvation has come.
All who believe in His Holy Name
As they share in the wine
can join with him and say
It is finished. It has been done for us.
All we can do is thank Him.
that He said, "It is finished as  He paid the price of our sin
opened the door and let us in.

Please feel free to use these

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