The Garden of Gethsemane

Today we began the journey of Christ’s passion, visiting several churches that mark the steps Christ took from Maundy Thursday through Good Friday. Tomorrow we walk the true Way of the Cross, celebrate the Eucharist at the place where the crucifixion happened and visit the place of his resurrection. 

Today our most striking visit was to the Mount of Olives where there are trees over 2000 years old. They were there the night Jesus cried out in anguish to the Father to “let this cup pass.” The altar in the church is next to the place we believe Christ prayed that fateful night. After deep prayer he was able to say – and mean – “Not my will but yours be done.” That prayer, that decision, that self-offering has opened the way of salvation for us. 

“O SAVIOUR of the world, who by thy Cross and precious Blood hast redeemed us: Save us, and help us, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord.”