Thursday, March 28
He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him.When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. –Luke 22:39-44
“In Stiller Nacht” –a German folk song inspired by the story of Jesus’ agony
In the quiet night,
at first watch,
a voice begins to lament;
the night wind sweetly and gently
carries the sound to me.
With bitter pain and sorrow
my heart is melted;
with pure tears
I have watered all the little flowers.
The beautiful moon will set;
for sorrow it does not wish to shine;
the stars cease their gleaming;
they want to weep with me.
No bird song nor joyous sounds
can be heard in the air;
even the wild beasts grieve with me
in rocks and in gorges.
O God, when there seems no hope, give us courage to sing out our sorrow. Bless us with faith that in the singing, we will discover we are not alone. Amen.