212. The Lord’s Passion: The Prayer Concerning the Cup. Mt. 26:36–46; Mk. 14:32–42; Lk. 22:40–46; Jn. 18:1–2

Then the Lord Jesus came with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, where there was a garden, into which He and His disciples entered. But Judas, His betrayer, also knew this place, because the Lord Jesus often met there with His disciples.

Coming to His usual place in the garden, the Lord said to His disciples: Sit here while I go over there and pray. And you pray as well, so that you may not enter into temptation.

And taking with Him Peter and both sons of Zebedee, James and John, He began to be sorrowful, amazed, and troubled. And He said to them: My soul is sorrowful even to death; remain here and keep awake with Me.

And going a little further from them, about a stone’s throw, He knelt down, fell on His face on the ground, and prayed, asking if possible that this hour might pass from Him, saying:

My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, let it be not as I will, but as You will.

Abba, Father! All things are possible for You; take this cup away from Me; yet, let it be not what I will, but what You will.

Father! If You are willing, take this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done.

And there appeared to Him an Angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Rising from prayer, He returns to His disciples, and finds them sleeping from sorrow, and says to Peter: Simon! Are you sleeping? Were you not able to keep awake for one hour? Then He said to all of them: So, were you not able to keep awake with Me for even one hour? Why do you sleep? Rise, keep awake, and pray, so that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

And departing again, He prayed a second time, saying: My Father! If this cup cannot pass from Me unless I drink it, may Your will be done.

And returning to His disciples, He found them sleeping again; for their eyes were heavy, and they did not know what to answer Him.

And leaving them again, He departed and prayed a third time, saying the same words.

Then He comes to His disciples the third time and says to them: Are you still sleeping and resting? It is finished. Behold, the hour is come, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go; behold, he who betrays Me is at hand.