First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

R. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

V. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reader: Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 25:36-41

Prayer

In your agony, Lord, your must have felt alone and afraid. Even your most beloved—Peter, James, and John—could not keep watch with you. Each day, Lord Jesus, thousands of babies are killed, participants in your passion. Each day, Lord Jesus, those who have grown very old, alone and abandoned, participate in your passion. Keep us awake, O Lord, that we might watch with you and accept the cup God gives to us in every moment of our lives. For you are Lord, forever and ever. Amen.