Holy Week is almost here, and among followers of Jesus and Christian churches around the world, clergy and congregations are preparing to celebrate the joyful celebration of Jesus’s resurrection. The way to Easter Sunday’s jubilation, however, is the suffering, humiliation, torture, and execution of Jesus on the cross at Golgotha. He expected this to happen and freely walked this path, but not without struggle and faltering. In his divinity, Jesus was fully obedient to his heavenly Father. In his humanity, he cried out to him at the garden of Gethsemane, “Father … if you will, take this cup from me.” His divinity rose above his human hesitation when he added, “Not my will, however, but your will be done.” (Luke 22:42). The response of his heavenly Father was to send an angel from heaven to strengthen him. (Luke 22:43). This divine-human struggle that Jesus went through and the angelic visitation occurred while he was in prayer prior to his arrest.
What am I learning from this vignette in Jesus’s life?
First, he prepared for his via dolorosa, his path of suffering and death, by praying and pouring out his heart to God. He did this the whole night, and he was fully present and awake. I may not have the same perseverance and presence of Jesus, but I can ask him to help me be present to him as I pray and walk on the way of the cross.
Second, Jesus was honest and expressed his struggles with God. He didn’t hide them or minimize them. Even his body sweating with perspiration that looked like “drops of blood” showed his inner turmoil. I, too, need to be honest with God and trust that Jesus will help me to accept God’s will even when it involves suffering and pain.
Third, God sent an angel to strengthen Jesus. This brings me great comfort. I am not alone. God, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, is with me. God’s messengers (seen and unseen) are sent to support me so I can rest and be refreshed for the journey ahead.
Today, as I make my way towards the cross and eventually to the empty tomb, I pray with honesty and trust that God will send me an angel to strengthen me. I pray that for all who walk this path, all who are suffering because of their faithful companionship with Jesus may receive strength and comfort not only this Holy Week but every day here on earth while we await with joyful anticipation for Jesus’s final coming in his Risen and glorious majesty.
Choose Joy: Poems, Prayers and Prose 