THE FIRST MEDITATION On the Sufferings of Christ in the Garden
Project Gutenberg EPUB edition
Ignatius, of Loyola, Saint and Coppens, Charles
1st Prelude. Read the 26th chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel, from the 30th to the 57th verse.
2nd Prelude. Behold Christ prostrate in the prayer of His agony.
3rd Prelude. Beg grace to condole with Him and to suffer patiently and generously.
POINT I. Consider Christ’s entrance into the garden.
The persons: Christ, my Saviour, goes to suffer for me. The fact then regards me personally, I cannot be indifferent to its details. He selects Peter, John and James to witness His agony. Thus the severest trials come to God’s favorites. Christ has prepared them for this trial of their faith by the vision of His glory on Mount Thabor. Thus He provides special aids for special difficulties. All the Apostles have been strengthened for the occasion by Holy Communion. A fall soon after receiving Communion does not prove an unworthy Communion.
The words. Peter said: “Although all should be scandalized in thee, I will never be scandalized.” Pride goes before a fall. “Jesus said to him: Amen, I say to thee that, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Christ saith to his Apostles: “My soul is sorrowful even unto death.” We should not then be discouraged if we shrink from suffering, and are saddened by them.
The actions. Jesus prepares for the conflict by betaking Himself to prayer. I must do the same in trials.
POINT II.The agony.The words: “My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” It is then perfectly proper to pray for deliverance from the cross; but we must ever add submission to God’s holy will: “Not my will but thine be done.”
The actions: “He cometh to his disciples, and findeth them asleep.” We are not then forbidden to seek for consolation from our fellow-men; but we shall usually be disappointed; like Jesus, we must return to prayer. He prayed again, “saying the self-same words.” We should not try to be eloquent in prayer, but dwell on a few thoughts or sentiments. We can have no better model of prayer than we have here before us. The Apostles neglected their opportunity; hence their cowardice.
POINT III. The treason of Judas. The persons. The Son of God is meanly betrayed by one of His own Apostles. How is the gold obscured! When favorite souls fall away, they often fall the deepest. How did he come to this? From small beginnings, by little thefts at first. One passion left unchecked is enough to ruin the noblest character. All the passions are in every one of us, and need constant watching.
The words. “Hail Rabbi.” What hypocrisy! “Friend, whereunto art thou come?” Christ still loved the wretch, and kindly wished to bring him back to his duty. That is the charity of my model. Is mine like His?
The actions. He receives the kiss of the traitor and shows no indignation. Then Christ lets Himself be seized and bound like a criminal, and He abandons Himself into the hands of His enemies, recognizing in them the executers of His Father’s will. “Then the disciples, all leaving him, fled”; and yet all of them had said with Peter that they were ready to go with Him even to death. It is not boasting, but praying we need.
Colloquy, thanking our dear Lord for His generous love for us, asking that we may know and love Him better and follow Him more perfectly.
Notice that the thoughts here expressed are only suggestions and need not be entertained. The exercitant is apt to be most benefited by what he discovers himself. And when a thought or sentiment strikes him, he should dwell on it as long as it gives him devotion, and not hasten on to other matters.