Lenten Devotional // Day 38 Maundy Thusday

Mark 14:32-42
Jesus and his disciples came to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus said to them, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John along with him. He began to feel despair and was anxious. He said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert.” Then he went a short distance farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if possible, he might be spared the time of suffering. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible. Take this cup of suffering away from me. However—not what I want but what you want.”
He came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you stay alert for one hour? Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak.”
Again, he left them and prayed, repeating the same words. And, again, when he came back, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open, and they didn’t know how to respond to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Will you sleep and rest all night? That’s enough! The time has come for the Human One to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up! Let’s go! Look, here comes my betrayer.”

Reflection
I can’t fully imagine being in Jesus’ sandals.  Jesus prays to God, “Abba [Daddy], Father, you can do anything. I really don’t want to have to suffer.” Jesus doesn’t stop at that.  He adds, “It’s not what I want but what you want.” And then he listens to God.

God, Father, Abba, Daddy, Mother, Momma, Holy God, Yahweh, El Shaddai, Elohim. . .  Jesus cried out to his Daddy in his hour of deepest distress.  Calling God “Daddy” at that point was important to Jesus. Listening for God’s answer, however, was key. When I pray, I can call out to God with whatever name helps me talk to God. God listens! What I need to remember is to do like Jesus and talk to God first instead of rushing ahead and doing what I think needs to be done, and to listen to what God wants of me.

Question for Contemplation
What names do you have for God? Do you wait to listen to God?

Prayer  
Divine Presence, you are always here, drawing me into your love. Thank you for never leaving me, even in my darkest hour. Amen.