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PRESIDER: Let us pray . . .
ALL: Loving Jesus, along your way of the cross, you met hardened soldiers, condemning priests, and compassionate men and women. As we walk that same way of the cross, let us search our innermost hearts, for they are capable of hardness or com- passion, fickleness or faithfulness. Jesus, may we confront the dark side of our hearts and, through your grace, decide to remain your faithful and compassionate followers. Amen. |
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The First Station: Jesus Prays in the Garden of OlivesPresider: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be troubled and distressed. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch." He advanced a little and tell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass by him; he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will." (Mark 14:32-36)
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PETER It was a pitch black night, a night in which even the stars hid themselves. James, John, and I had accompanied Jesus many times. Once, on a mountain top, we saw Jesus bright as a torch, shining in glory. I could have stayed on that mountain forever, happy to build a shrine there but, no, Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem. James is always telling me that I'm so impetuous. I speak without thinking. Why didn't I listen to him? Yes, I opened my mouth when I felt my Master was in danger. Wouldn't you have done the same? At Philippi, I took him aside and told him not to go to Jerusalem because there he'd face hostile leaders. Then Jesus said something to me that was like a slap in the face. "Get behind me, Satan." Satan. I deserved that because I didn't under. stand that the cross was the way to new life not just for Jesus but for all of us. But back to that Thursday night in the garden. I'm ashamed to say that we weren't much company for the Master that night. I heard the sighs and groans of Jesus as he prayed alone in the garden. He told us to keep awake but our eyelids were too heavy. Yes, the wine made us sleepy, but even more, our hearts felt burdened with sorrow. At our last supper together, boasted that although everyone else would desert him, I would never fall him. But I did fail him, I did, I did. PRESIDER: Let us pray . ALL: Jesus, just as your disciples were insensitive to your anguish, we too, are sometimes uncaring about those who are suffering emotional and mental pain. Awaken within us compassion/ so that we may be more present to the sufferings of others, and do what we can to lessen their burdens. Amen. Were you there when he prayed, "Thy will be done"? Were you there when he prayed, "Thy will be done"? Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble! Were you there when he prayed, "Thy will be done"? |
THE CATHEDRAL
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