Matthew 26:36-45
Even more than wrong ones, right decisions
seem to involve painful repercussions.
It’s easier to make a moral choice
when the price doesn’t have to be paid
until some far future time.Jesus’ time has almost run out.
The time has come to pay the price,
to do that for which he came–
to be tried and condemned by religious and civil rulers,
to be mocked and beaten by the soldiers,
to be denied by his friends,
to die a criminal’s death on a cross–
Without defending himself,
without uttering a word in protest.Tonight, there is nothing but the waiting, alone,
in the Garden of Gethsemane, for his arrest,
knowing that he must make the final choice
to submit to his Father’s will.Jesus’ face reflects the agony of apprehension,
the pain of aloneness, when he most needs
not to feel alone, he prays,
not for a way out,
but for the strength and courage
to live through one last day of obedience.Truly I assure you, you will be crying
while the world rejoices;
you will be grieving, but your grief will turn to joy.
When I see you again, you will be glad,
and no one will be able to take away that joy.
