Men's Rosary

Reflecting on the Passion of Christ leads me to meditation on the Agony in the Garden.  This is where Christ showed His humanity, and it is also where He gained His strength to do what He knew had to be done.   “Have this in mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.”  (Philippians 2:5-8)  In His humanity He prayed to be spared, but in His humility, He accepted the will of the Father, and He prayed for strength.  Christ left the garden in full resolve to do the Father’s will, and He would not be shaken.  It was with the strongest resolve that He would suffer and die.   

This has been a theme for me this Lent…discerning God’s will and persevering.  We all have to do this.  It is too easy to get caught up in our own “will”.  Judas did as much, and it did not  turn out well for him.  God is in charge, not us.  “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and pray to me and I will hear you.”  (Jeremiah 29:11-12)   When things happen, be they good or bad, we choose how we react.  Is it all about us or do we keep it connected to God?  If something bad happens, do we fall into despair or bitterness or do we turn to God for guidance and strength?  If something great happens, do we selfishly revel in the joy and good fortune or do we turn to God in thanksgiving and wisdom to serve Him in the good thing?  “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)  I was recently reminded by a friend that “all is gift”.  This is a healthy way to live.  We tend to look at the good as gift and the bad as curse!  So, this is a change in our perspective.  We tend to think from the human perspective…being human.  Let us think with a spiritual perspective…being created in the likeness of God.  “Remember that He permits everything for your good, and do not loose confidence.”  (St. Alphonsus Ligouri) 

May we be able to imitate Christ in the garden, trusting in God and looking to Him for strength in all things.  May we be resolved to thank God for all things in our lives, recognizing all as gift.  May we be steadfast in our prayer and discernment of God’s will in our lives.  May we serve Him well and be known as good and faithful servants.  “For the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near.”  (Isaiah 50:7-8)

“I must leave it to the Lord, who knows me, to lead me by the path which is best for me, so that in all things His will may be done.”  (St. Teresa of Avila)