Jesus suffered in his passion the torments which men inflicted on him, but in his agony he suffered torments which he inflicted on himself; turbare semetipsum. This is a suffering from no human, but an almighty hand, and he who bears it must also be almighty.
Jesus sought some comfort at least in his three dearest friends, and they were asleep. he prayed them to watch with him awhile, and they left him with utter carelessness, having so little compassion that it could not hinder their sleeping even for a moment. And thus Jesus was left alone to the wrath of God.
Jesus was without one on the earth not merely to feel and share his suffering, but even to know of it; he and heaven were alone in that knowledge.
Jesus was in a garden, not of delight as the first Adam, in which he destroyed himself and the whole human race; but in one of agony, in which he saved himself and the whole human race.
He suffered this sorrow and this desertion in the horror of night.
I believe that Jesus never complained but on this single occasion, but then he complained as if he could no longer restrain his extreme sorrow. "My soul is sorrowful, even unto death."
Jesus sought companionship and consolation from men. This was the only time in his life, as it seems to me; but he received it not, for his disciples were asleep.
Jesus will be in agony even to the end of the world. We must not sleep during that time.
Jesus in the midst of this universal desertion, even that of his own friends chosen to watch with him, finding them asleep, was vexed because of the danger to which they exposed, not him, but themselves; he warned them of their own safety and of their good, with a heartfelt tenderness for them during their ingratitude, and warned them that the spirit is willing and the flesh weak.
Jesus, finding them still sleeping, unrestrained by any consideration for themselves or for him, had the tenderness not to wake them but to let them sleep on.
Jesus prayed, uncertain of the will of his Father, and feared death; but so soon as he knew it he went forward to offer himself to death: Eamus. Processit. John.
Jesus asked of men, and was not heard.
Jesus, while his disciples slept, wrought their salvation. He has wrought that of each of the just while they slept both in their nothingness before their birth, and in their sins after their birth. He prayed only once that the cup should pass away, and then with submission; but twice that it should come if need were.
Jesus was weary.
Jesus, seeing all his friends asleep and all his enemies wakeful, gave himself over entirely to his Father.
Jesus did not regard in Judas his enmity, but God's order, which he loves and admits, since he calls him friend.
Jesus tore himself away from his disciples to enter into his agony; we must tear ourselves from our nearest and dearest to imitate him.
Jesus being in agony and in the greatest sorrow, let us pray longer...
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