In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world

 

 "A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father."  Then some of His disciples said among themselves, "What is this that He says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and 'because I go to the Father'?"  They said therefore, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'?  We do not know what He is saying." 

 

Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, "Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'?  Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.  A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.  Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.  And in that day you will ask Me nothing.  Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.  Until now you have asked nothing in My name.  Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.  

 

"These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.  In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have  loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.  I came forth from the Father and have come into the world.  Again, I leave the world and go to the Father."  His disciples said to Him, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech!  Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You.  By this we believe that You came forth from God."  Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?  Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone.  And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

 

- John 16:16-33 

 

 This week we have been reading through Christ's Farewell Discourse given to the disciples at the Last Supper.  In yesterday's reading, Jesus taught, "These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.  They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.  And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.  But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.  And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.  But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?'  But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.  Nevertheless I tell you the truth.  It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.  And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.  I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.  However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.  All things that the Father has are Mine.  Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you."

 

  "A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father."  Then some of His disciples said among themselves, "What is this that He says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and 'because I go to the Father'?"  They said therefore, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'?  We do not know what He is saying."  My study Bible comments that the first little while refers to Christ's arrest, death, and burial.  The second is Christ's time in the tomb until His Resurrection. 

 

 "Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, "Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'?  Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.  A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.  Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.  And in that day you will ask Me nothing.  Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.  Until now you have asked nothing in My name.  Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."  My study Bible explains that no longer remembers doesn't imply the faithful are to forget the Passion and Cross of Christ, any more than a woman "forgets" labor.  Instead, we are to see these sufferings in light of the victory of the Resurrection, and this victory transfigures our perception of sufferings.  Christ's victory allows us to rejoice in anguish because of the infinitely greater good that comes from it (Romans 5:3-5; Philippians 3:10).  

 

 "These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father."  The time when Christ would speak plainly about the Father, according to my study Bible, was during the 40 days following the Resurrection (Acts 1:3).  

 

"In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have  loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.  I came forth from the Father and have come into the world.  Again, I leave the world and go to the Father."  His disciples said to Him, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech!  Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You.  By this we believe that You came forth from God."  Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?  Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone.  And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  My study Bible notes that we know prayer is offered in the name of God the Father, for Christ taught us to pray that way (Matthew 6:9), and He Himself prayed to the Father (John 11:41; 12:28; 17:1).  In Christ, we have direct access to the Father, and so therefore we pray in the name of the Son as well (John 14:13-14).  

 

It's very significant that my study Bible points out Christ's meaning here as indicating that we see His suffering in light of the Resurrection -- and all the good things that came out of it as well.  This can't be underestimated in terms of its impact on the whole of our faith, and yet also in each of our individual lives.  For Christ's Resurrection is not just His alone.  His Resurrection is also something in which we may participate, for when we have our faith, we have faith in Resurrection as ongoing reality and something which we may also experience in our own lives.  Christ stepped into the world filled with sin and evil things, including intense suffering.  He came to be with us as one of us; He did not look upon us from afar and stand aloof to our suffering, but came down into it, like a baptism.  According to my study Bible, Jesus called His Passion and death a baptism because He was completely immersed in it, yet it cleansed the world (Matthew 20:22-23).  In this light, we again consider the words in today's reading, in which Jesus teaches that the suffering His disciples will endure while experiencing the shattering and shocking events of His Passion and death will only be properly received and understood through the light of the Resurrection, and the joy that is to come "in a little while" later on.  In this instruction, Jesus gives the example of a woman in labor.  No one forgets the pain, but that pain is understood and perceived in the light of the joy of birth.  Christ's death and Resurrection are equally important for us, and must be taken together.  We do not forget suffering -- and that includes all those who follow Christ and suffer in the world, particularly because of their faith -- but neither do we receive or understand that suffering without the Resurrection.  In this is truly our faith, and the instruction for how we go through life, and even through the tragedies and terrible experiences that may befall us.  For while the light of the Resurrection may not change the facts of the suffering, including the pain and even loss, Resurrection brings with it its own changed circumstances and new realities.  This is the heart of faith, and why we do not despair.  We don't know what door God opens to us when we meet suffering with trust and faith in Him, even when we experience loss of things dear to us.  In Christ's case, His disciples would lose their beloved Teacher Jesus.  But Resurrection would defeat death for the world, and send the Holy Spirit to all who may be baptized into the Church and find the faith and truth therein.  And in this is joy, as Jesus says here in today's reading.  This is not an intangible joy, but one that is measured through our own experience of meeting difficulties in the experience of the faith that shows us how to walk through them.  My mother experienced dementia and Alzheimer's, and it was with no shortage of difficulty.  But we became closer through her illness, and I was able to offer her love and care.  Moreover, in her own growth, despite -- and maybe even because of -- her illness, she was able to find faith in Christ, a depth in bond of love at her Church, and meaning in the Bible she had not found before.  These are simply a small handful of the good things that came out of meeting her illness in the faith of Christ and the power of Resurrection that is at work for us when we pray.  Jesus says in today's reading, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  When we have tribulation, let us remember that He has overcome the world, and extends that resurrection power and strength to us to walk us through our own, and find the redemption of Resurrection. 

 

 

 

The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few

 

 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.  But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.  Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."  And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.  Now the names of the twelve apostles are these:  first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.  

 

- Matthew 9:35—10:4 

 

Yesterday we read that two blind men followed Jesus, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy on us!"  And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him.  And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?  They said to Him, "Yes, Lord."  Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you."  And their eyes were opened.  And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, "See that no one knows it."  But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.  As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed.  And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke.  And the multitudes marveled, saying, "It was never seen like this in Israel!"  But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons."

 

  Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.  But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.  Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."   This phrase, like sheep having no shepherd, is similar to the language in Mark 6:34, which we read as a description of the crowd of 5,000 which Jesus will feed in the wilderness (see Mark 6:30-44).  Here the words weary and scattered describe the crowd, meaning that they were like those cast aside from the world, exhausted in their struggles.  In a sense, it's a description of those who are figuratively "homeless" -- like sheep having no shepherd, who need His good guidance and love, His compassion.  In yesterday's commentary, we remarked upon Christ's gathering of the outcast, the poor in spirit, the outliers in some sense.  Here the description of these people exemplifies those to whom He has come to extend His care, His church.  His comment,  "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" teaches us that this is indeed how He views these multitudes.

 

 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.  Now the names of the twelve apostles are these:  first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.   My study Bible comments that disciples and apostles are often used interchangeably for the twelve.  Jesus gave them power to perform miracles, while He performed them by His own power.  It notes that he names of the Twelve are not the same in all lists, because many people had more than one name.  Here the names are given in pairs, which suggests who might have traveled together on their "first missionary journey," as St. Mark tells us that they were sent out two by two (Mark 6:7).  

 

It's very interesting to note how Jesus fulfills the needs He encounters in the people, as He goes out preaching, teaching and healing.  At this point in His ministry, He's encountering multitudes who are like sheep without a shepherd, weary and scattered.  As commented above, this description gives us a sense of people who are beleaguered by life, in some sense cast off by the society that does not feed them what they need.   They need a true leader, someone to guide them, and clearly that Someone is Jesus, who is our true and good Shepherd (see John 10:1-30).  This description of the multitudes sounds like something that many "multitudes" could relate to today in our world.  Wherever we are, it seems that there are a lot of people feeling like they are in need of a shepherd, who may feel cast off and even without a deep sense of community.  Christ responds in a characteristic way, which is not sad nor diminished in optimism, but rather quite the opposite.  He sees these seemingly lost multitudes as a harvest which is plentiful for His future Church, but that there is simply a need of more laborers to gather them.   These are the people He has come to gather to Himself, to guide as Shepherd.  They are the lost sheep who need Him.  And now is the time not simply to minister to them, but to expand His ministry by extending His power to His disciples who will now become apostles.  After calling the Twelve, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. This is what Christ has come to do, and it is an opportunity for the glory of God and the power of Christ to manifest itself and grow within human beings.  These are the ones He has come for, and this is the way that His Church will be built.  Christ at once gives us many things characteristic of Himself and His work:  if something is sad, or weak, or broken, or in need of healing or care in our sight, it is an opportunity for His work, His power, His energy.  If something is cast off, He can gather it to Himself, and the ones who are scattered He can gather into His community.  And He will do this by extending His power through human beings, the faithful disciples.  This is also, if we look closely, the characteristics of the Cross, for in what appears to us sad or broken or needful, and invites despair, there is God who can work even through all things.  Just as St. Paul was told that God's strength was made perfect in his weakness (1 Corinthians 12:9), so grace works through the things that look "less than" to us, and Christ's greatest power continues to work through the Cross, even defeating death.  Let us look to that grace for all the surprising, uplifting, and beautiful things it can bring into our lives as well.  For we may all be laborers in whatever ways we are called.  

 

 

All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night

 

 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

'I will strike the Shepherd,

And the sheep will be scattered.'

 "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."  But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And they all said likewise. 

 

Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray."  And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to  be troubled and deeply distressed.  Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.  Stay here and watch."  He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.  And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.  Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will but what You will."  Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping?  Could you not watch one hour?  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words.  And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.  Then He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting?  It is enough!  The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Rise, let us be going.  See, My betrayer is at hand."

 

- Mark 14:27–42 

 

Yesterday we read that, on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, "Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat of the Passover?"  And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him.  Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"'  Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us."  So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as he had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.  In the evening He came with the twelve.  Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me."  And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is it I?"  And another said, "Is it I?"  He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish.  The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!  It would have been good for that man if he had never been born."  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it, and gave it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.  And He said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many.  Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

 

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:  'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'  But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."  But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And they all said likewise.  Jesus quotes from the prophet Zechariah (see Zechariah 13:7).  Jesus makes another prophecy of His own regarding His disciples, and especially St. Peter, that they all will be made to stumble "because of Me" this night.  For St. Peter in particular, Jesus also has very detailed words, that "even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."

 

 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray."  Gethsemane means "oil press," and it is the name for this orchard of olive trees which is at the foot of the Mount of Olives.  Jesus has intentionally come to a place known to his disciples, including his betrayer Judas.  See John 18:2.

 

 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to  be troubled and deeply distressed.  Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.  Stay here and watch."  He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.  And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.  Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will but what You will."  Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping?  Could you not watch one hour?  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words.  And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.  Then He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting?  It is enough!  The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Rise, let us be going.  See, My betrayer is at hand."  Abba, my study Bible explains, is the Aramaic familiar form for Father.  It's equivalent is "Papa," and it indicates Christ's intimacy with God the Father.  This cup refers to His impending death.  In accordance with Christ's divine nature, my study Bible says, He goes willingly to His death.  But as a human being, He wishes He could avoid it, as it is the mark of humanity to abhor death.  He prays that if it were possible, it would be taken away from Him.  My study Bible calls this abundant proof of His human nature.  At the same time, nevertheless, He is without sin and completely subjects and unites His human will to the Father's divine will.  

 

 In the context of today's reading, and yesterday's reading and commentary in which the focus was betrayal, perhaps it is a good idea to extend that commentary and consider, from today's reading, the effects of sin.  Sin doesn't happen in a vacuum.  It is not simply a one-time act which has no extended effects and is forgotten about.  Even when we repent of our sin, sin can still have continuing effects in our world and upon others, and within community.  A father who commits a crime, and goes to prison -- even doing his time and fully repenting of the crime -- still has effects upon his children and family because of the consequences of the sin.  The children grow up with a missing father, and they will have to reconcile themselves to the reasons he was gone from them.  There might be extended problems with money, with support for a family and a spouse.  We can imagine the possibilities.  In terms of the theology of the Orthodox Church, this is how the problem of "original sin" is viewed.  Subsequent generations are not guilty of the sin, but they are faced with the consequences of the sin, and must cope with the conditions created by the sin they're not responsible for.  This is how the "fallen world" is understood.  So, let us take a look once again at this sin of betrayal by Judas, and consider the long-term secondary effects of his act.  Of course we know of Christ's Crucifixion to come.  We know, as Jesus predicts in today's reading, that the disciples will be made to stumble this night.   This word for "made to stumble" is literally to scandalize in the Greek (from σκανδαλίζω/skandalizo), which is a word that derives from a hunter's trap; i.e. to "trip up."  They will all stumble because of Him, He says.  But even as Jesus goes to the garden of Gethsemane deliberately, knowing He will be betrayed by Judas this night, He is prepared for the effects of betrayal, and predicts to the disciples that they will "fall away" from Him (another possible meaning of skandalizo).  This falling away is a stumble or sin itself on the part of the disciples, but Christ understands the effects of what He is walking into, and as they return to Him they will be forgiven.  So Judas' betrayal has the effect of striking the Shepherd, and scattering the sheep, as it says in the quotation from Zechariah.  The effects of betrayal are a falling away of trust, as the disciples with few exceptions will go into hiding, and even St. Peter will turn away through his own denial of Christ, as prophesied also by Jesus in today's reading.  Simply from its immediate effects, we can see that one sin leads to others in its effects and the hardship and broken relationships and communion it brings to others.  We know the crowds will be induced to shout for Jesus' death, another sin made possible because of Judas' betrayal, and a rather notorious murderer will therefore be freed in Christ's place, despite Pilate's efforts at His trial (Mark 15:11-13).  Judas himself, of course, will in turn be betrayed in a sense by those whom he has served.  He will commit suicide as a result of his act, unable to find repentance and forgiveness in his remorse without Christ (Matthew 27:3-5).  These are simply the immediate effects of Judas' sin of betrayal.  Of course, the long-term effects are far-reaching and even continue with us until this day.   The most significant  thing to remark upon is perhaps that God takes all things and turns them to God's purposes, in that the spectacular failure of the Crucifixion is in His Resurrection and victory over death for all of us.   As St. Paul writes, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).  But we cannot say that this extraordinary outcome of salvation for all the world is the effect of Judas' sin, but rather it is the effect of the work of God that turns all things to God's purposes.  When we think about committing any kind of sin, taking a short cut, thinking that somehow our plans might work better than seeking God's way, or that we can manipulate our way into a better world or outcome, we should consider the effects of sin we cannot control nor predict.  Outcomes are seldom under any person's full control.  For this reason, we seek God's will in all things, we try to grow in discipleship and discernment and prayer, we put all things in the hands of God -- and we know that forgiveness comes with repentance, and a return to our Lord is the way to salvation even midst those negative effects.  Jesus advises the disciples, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  This is the way through extreme difficulties.  Let us face all things with Him.  St. Paul will come to write, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).  Let us follow in our own struggle for faith.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you"

 

 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

'I will strike the Shepherd,

And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

"But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.  Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And so said all the disciples.

 

- Matthew 26:26-35 

 

Yesterday we read that on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?"  And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples."'"  So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.  When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.  Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me."  And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?"  He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.  The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!  It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."  Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?"  He said to him, "You have said it."

 

 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."   My study Bible notes that this is the institution of the Eucharist, which it calls the "long-awaited messianic banquet," to which even Judas is admitted (compare Esther 7).  Jesus is seeking by all means possible to save him.  But because of his wicked heart, my study Bible says, Judas' participation will lead to his condemnation (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).  These words of Jesus are repeated in the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom; they invite the faithful to receive His body and blood.  In Holy Communion we are thereby united to Christ.  As Jesus gave thanks (εὐχαριστέω/eucharisteo, forming the Greek root of "eucharist"), it teaches us how we are to celebrate this sacrament, also that He comes willingly to His Passion, and even, my study Bible says, to accept sufferings with thankfulness -- knowing that God can use sufferings for ultimate good.  Moreover, the Old Covenant was sealed with the blood of bulls and goats.  But the New is sealed by the gift of Christ Himself, who my study Bible says shed His own blood to conquer sin and death and to reconcile us with God.  Christ names it the blood of the new covenant, effectively God's promise and the fulfillment of the Law.  "New" indicates that this covenant brings immortality and incorruptible life; and it's very important to understand that this covenant will always carry the quality of newness.  Shed for many uses an Aramaic expression meaning "for all."

 

 "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  My study Bible notes that patristic commentary teaches that Jesus also drinks the cup of His own Blood.  He does so in order to lead all believers into participation in His heavenly mysteries; one more incident in which He fulfills all righteousness.   In My Father's kingdom, my study Bible says, relates to the time after Christ's Resurrection, when He will both eat and drink to show the reality of His victory over death (Luke 24:41-43).  Additionally, it points to the eternal banquet of the Kingdom in the age to come.  

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'  But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.  Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And so said all the disciples.  This prophesy of Christ regarding Peter's denial will be fulfilled as Peter stands outside the home of the chief priest, with which Jesus is tried by the Sanhedrin.  We will read this story of denial later on in this chapter.   But for now, let us note how emphatically Peter and all the disciples declare they will not deny Christ.

As Jesus is on the cusp of His Passion, He tells the disciples, "Take, eat; this is My body."  It is remarkable to consider the time, not only because of its proximity to the Crucifixion, but because He is literally teaching them the truth behind what is about to happen. Everything about to unfold is the culmination of His ministry, the final gift He gives for salvation, to the world.  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."  Let's consider that His blood will indeed soon be shed, for which He now gives thanks in front of the disciples.  God is using this occasion for something much greater than anyone can understand in that room, and likely for something much greater than any one of us has realized even two thousand years later -- and Christ Himself is giving thanks for the opportunity, the blessing, the grace, and the magnanimity of this new covenant which will remit sins for all who take it up and live it.  He insists that they all drink -- even His adversary, soon to be His betrayer, Judas, who has been with Him all this time.  Because this grace is on offer for many, meaning "for all," He commands all to drink.  The remission of sins is the acceptance into His eternal Kingdom, His Father's kingdom, the one established in the promise of Christ the Bridegroom, and this is that true New Covenant.  It is now available to all who will take it up and live it.  So Jesus establishes where He is before all the disciples here, explaining to them what is about to happen and why, even giving thanks for the occasion, so that they and we will know the depth and meaning of what they will witness, and what is being initiated for the life of the world.  He predicts their denial, and their scattering and stumbling in the face of the shattering reality they will face.  Can we imagine giving thanks in such a circumstance?  And yet, with God, all things are possible, and "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).  If Christ can give thanks at this moment, then let us remember at all times in our lives to give thanks, for we do not know how God is calling us, through the good and the evil, and what God will make out of every moment of our lives, in ways which we can't yet see.

 

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak

 

 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

    'I will strike the Shepherd,

    And the sheep will be scattered.'

"But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."  But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And they all said likewise.

Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray."  And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.  Stay here and watch."  

 

He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.  And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.  Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."  Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping?   Could you not watch one hour?  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words.  And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.  Then He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting?  It is enough!  The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Rise, let us be going.  See, My betrayer is at hand."

 

- Mark 14:27–42 

 

 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, "Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?"  And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him.  Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"'  Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us."  So His disciples went out, and they came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.  In the evening He came with the twelve.  Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me."  And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is it I?"  And another said, "Is it I?"  He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish.  The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!  It would have been good for that man if he had never been born."  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.  And He said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many.  Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

 

 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'   But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."  But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And they all said likewise.  Jesus quotes from the prophecy of Zechariah (Zechariah 13:7).  He Himself is the Shepherd of the prophecy, the prophesied Messiah.  Peter contradicts Jesus' own prediction, following the Scripture, that "all of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night."  We will later see Peter's reckoning in regard to his own certainty, as Jesus' subsequent prophecy regarding Peter is fulfilled:  "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." 

Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray."  And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.  Stay here and watch."  My study Bible explains that Gethsemane means "oil press."  Jesus and the disciples are now in an orchard of olive trees at the foot of the Mount of Olives.  A note on this garden, mentioned in John 18:2, comments that as Christ intentionally came to the place known to His betrayer, Judas, one of His disciples, shows that He was going to His Passion willingly and voluntarily.  It reveals, my study Bible says, that Christ went to find Judas rather than Judas finding Christ.  Let us note that Jesus, in His exceedingly sorrowful state, even to death, tells the disciples, "Stay here and watch."  Watch is the repeated word we've heard Him give as He warned of the distress and tribulation to come in the end times.  This vigilance is the repeated word of Christ for our conduct as we await His return.

He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.  And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.  Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."  Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping?   Could you not watch one hour?  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words.  And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.  Then He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting?  It is enough!  The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Rise, let us be going.  See, My betrayer is at hand."  My study Bible comments that Abba in Aramaic is the familiar form for Father, similar to saying "Papa," which teaches us of Christ's intimacy God the Father.  This cup refers to Christ's impending death.  According to His divine nature, my study Bible says, Jesus willingly goes to His death.  But as a man, He wishes He could avoid it, for it is the mark of humanity to abhor death.  He prays that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him, giving us abundant proof of His divine nature.  But despite this struggle of agony, Jesus is without sin.  He completely subjects and unites His human will to the Father's divine will.

Yet again, we find Christ repeating these words, to watch and pray.  And again, we note the importance of these repeated words, an admonition which He sprinkled throughout His warnings of the end times to come, the tribulation which His followers would face in one form or another through the times in which we now live as we await His return.  Here, He tells Peter, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  It seems likely that we can consider Peter to be a stand-in for all the disciples, representing them, and even representing those of us who would be His disciples, the faithful to come.  These words are for all of us, even all the time, as we go through our lives and our own difficulties, our own struggles with faith -- and especially with times of tribulation, worry, shock, or fear.  In His prophecies of end times, Jesus repeatedly warned of troubles to come, such as natural disasters, wars, persecutions -- even of being hated by all for His name's sake.  What this means is that even in those times when we are tempted to panic, to flee, to fight, to take up weapons, to do whatever we can to evade what is coming in life, and even when sitting down to pray is the last thing on our minds -- it even may take great strength and forced concentration to do so, even against our own wills, we are to "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  These words are especially important to St. Peter, for he is our example of our own trusting to ourselves when we need to rely upon the strength of God to help us under difficult circumstances, especially when we struggle with threatening and frightening events in our lives.   Sometimes it takes intense focus and concentration, and a great act of will to pray, particularly when we feel overwhelmed and in desperate need to change the things that loom too large to avoid.   The events to come would shake the disciples to the core, and may be so great in their impact that we cannot possibly imagine the turmoil they went through.  But these are the words of Christ for them, and in our own times of agony we should remember them as well.  For, no matter what there is to do, it is in our prayer we call upon the help we need when our own resources cannot meet the struggle.  What often seems like only a "worldly" problem is compounded in its spiritual impact, and we need God's help to see where we are, even to accept something we can't bear to face.  This is how we find our way through the times that hurt, through unbearable bad news, through betrayals and tribulations, or losses we don't know how to bear.  Let us remember His words in all times.  

 

 

 

 

 

Take, eat; this is My body

 

 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

'I will strike the Shepherd, 

 And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."  Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And so said all the disciples.

 

- Matthew 26:26-35 

 

Yesterday we read that on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?"  And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples."'"  So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.  When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.  Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me."  And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?"  He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.  The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!  It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."  Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?"  He said to him, "You have said it."

 

  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."  Jesus here institutes the Eucharist, which my study Bible names the long-awaited messianic banquet, to which He admits even Judas at this meal, as Christ is seeking by all means to save him.   Because of his wicked heart, my study Bible says, Judas' participation leads to his condemnation (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).  My study Bible comments that Christ's words are repeated in the Divine Liturgy, when the faithful are invited to receive His body and blood.  In Holy Communion, we are truly united to Christ.  Jesus gave thanks (the root of this verb in Greek is eucharist) to teach us first of all, how we are to celebrate this sacrament.   He is also teaching that He comes willingly to His Passion, and that we also can accept sufferings with thankfulness -- as we know that God can use sufferings for ultimate good.  Moreover, my study Bible adds that the Old Covenant was sealed with the blood of bulls and goats, while the New is sealed by the gift of Christ Himself -- who shed His own blood to conquer sin and death and to reconcile us with God.  Christ calls it the blood of the new covenant, which is God's promise and the fulfillment of the Law.  In using the word "new" Christ means that this covenant brings immortality and incorruptible life; it will always have the quality of newness.  See Revelation 21:5.  For many is an Aramaic expression which means "for all."

"But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  My study Bible comments that according to patristic consensus Jesus also drinks the cup of His own Blood.  This He does to lead all believers into participation in His heavenly mysteries.  My study Bible says that in My Father's kingdom relates to the time after Christ's Resurrection, when Christ will eat and drink to show the reality of His victory over death (see Luke 24:41-43).  Moreover, it points to the eternal banquet of the Kingdom in the age to come.  

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:  'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'  But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."  Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And so said all the disciples.  Jesus gives another prophesy that will be fulfilled, quoting from Zechariah 13:7.   Note how not only Peter, as frequent spokesman for the disciples, vehemently denies that he will stumble, but also so said all the disciples.  

What strange combination of events we get in the Gospels.  It is much like life itself:  together with the greatest gift for mankind, the most exalted moment of Christ's grace to us in the giving of the Eucharist, we are told that this night they will strike the Shepherd, and all will be made to stumble because of Him, and the flock scattered.  It is like the chiaroscuro of the greatest painters, or the film noir of modern times, in which black and white, dark and light, are juxtaposed to give us just this sense of how the dark can be present even while there is the greatest light existent for us at any moment in our lives, even seemingly at times of the greatest exultation.   The story of Christ, no matter how many ways in which we might experience something similar, or a story is told that seemingly holds the same elements, sets a pattern down for us.  It expresses something real about the world that we live in, and it offers us a choice in the midst of this world in which light and dark can coexist so starkly, as we read so clearly in the prologue to John's Gospel, when we are told of Christ that "in Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it" (John 1:4-5).  We might experience this black and white quality often in our own lives also.  Seemingly at times when our deepest desires might be realized, so we experience a darkness that seems to blight our happiness even at the same moment.  But the power of this story is in the light that it offers us in the midst of darkness, for it is that light to which we must be drawn and which shows us our way through the world.  It is His light to which we cling and follow even when we can't see very well in the darkness that we experience in life.  For when we lose that light, then we truly lose our way.  So often we might find ourselves lost in darkness because something sounded right or good, and it really wasn't.  Peter displaying his great proclamation of indignance and loyalty to Christ, stating, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble," might be seen as one example of this.  All of the disciples follow his lead in this declaration, but Christ knows better and understands the human weakness and vulnerability upon which darkness can play.   A fine thing -- the kind of loyalty and courage on display in Peter's statement -- may cover a truth we'd rather not see nor know, and will have to discover for ourselves, as Peter will with bitter tears.  But therein, even in that sub-story to this plot, is the Cross, for it is in reconciling to the reality of our lives that we find the light and come to terms with what it asks of us -- hence the great historic stress on truly knowing ourselves and coming to terms with the things we need to be aware of and to act upon (see Matthew 18:8-9).  But here in today's reading, Jesus gives us the very gift that literally means to give thanks, the Eucharist.  He gives us the gift of Himself and His communion with us and among us, the sacrifice of His Body and Blood.  And at this greatest moment which we as humankind can receive, He warns of the Cross and speaks of the danger that awaits the disciples as an enemy will strike the Shepherd.  We shouldn't forget we still live in the same world where that same enemy preys on weakness and vulnerability, where we can fool ourselves with our own bluff, and our vulnerabilities may even be things we're not aware of.  Let us understand that it is in the truth of the Gospel that we find ourselves and we find our way, not in saccharine or sentimental ideas but in coming to terms with truth at the Cross, including the truth of where we stumble.  Neither believe those who say life is all darkness, for that is the way to nothing.   For this is the good news, the road of salvation and spiritual growth in the Kingdom, preparing us for the crowns these disciples will certainly wear.  For we are on a road, Christ's "way" -- which goes together with His truth and His life, and there is no other to be found (John 14:6).

 

 

 

 

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation

 

 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

'I will strike the Shepherd,

And the sheep will be scattered.'

"But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."  But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And they all said likewise.

Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray."  And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.  Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.  Stay here and watch."  He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.  And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.  Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."  Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping?  Could you not watch one hour?  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words.  And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.  Then He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting?  It is enough!  The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Rise, let us be going.  See, My betrayer is at hand."

 

- Mark 14:27–42 

 

Yesterday we read that on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, "Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?"  And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him.  Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"'  Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us."  So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.  In the evening He came with the twelve.  Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me."  And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is it I?"  And another said, "Is it I?"  And another said, "Is it I?"  He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish.  The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!  It would have been good for that man if he had never been born."  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it, and gave it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.  And He said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many.  Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

 

 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:  'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'  But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."  But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And they all said likewise.  Jesus quotes from the prophecy of Zechariah 13:7.  Speaking also prophetically, He tells Peter that, despite Peter's vehement assurances to the contrary, "today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."

 

Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray."  And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.  Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.  Stay here and watch."  Gethsemane means "oil press."  It is an orchard of olive trees at the foot of the Mount of Olives.  My study Bible comments that Christ intentionally came to the place known to His betrayer Judas, one of His disciples (see John 18:2).  This shows that He was going to His Passion willingly and voluntarily.  It reveals Christ went to find Judas rather than Judas finding Christ.  Taken together in this context, we understand Christ is fully aware of this night as the beginning of His Passion, His way to betrayal and the Cross.  Hence He is troubled and deeply distressed, and His fully human identity is revealed in His words and His need for His closest disciples (Peter, James, and John), the ones of greatest faith.  There is no doubt that the sorrow in His soul is also connected to His concerns about His flock, what they will undergo, how they will respond, and how they will fare without Him in the flesh as their Protector and Leader.

He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.  And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.  Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."    Abba in Aramaic is the familiar form for Father, my study Bible says.  It is equivalent to "Papa," and indicates Christ's intimacy with God the Father.  This cup is a reference to Christ's impending death, my study Bible explains.  According to His divine nature, Jesus goes to His death.  But as a man, He wishes He could avoid it -- for it is the mark of humanity to abhor death.   He prays to the Father, "Take this cup away from Me," showing His human nature; "nevertheless, not what I will but what You will."  He is without sin and completely subjects and unites His human will to the Father's divine will.  

 

Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping?  Could you not watch one hour?  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words.  And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.  Then He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting?  It is enough!  The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Rise, let us be going.  See, My betrayer is at hand."  Jesus tells the disciples, "Watch and pray."  These are also the bywords He has given to all of us for the period in which we live, while we await His Second Coming (see this reading).   My study Bible calls this phrase the key to Christian spirituality and our struggle against temptation.  It says that by this, the Lord's human soul is strengthened, and He faces death with divine courage.  In contrast to the vigilance of Jesus, the disciples are sleeping.  Since body and soul are united, my study Bible says, the spirit is paralyzed by a lethargic body.  A willing spirit recognizes the weakness of the flesh, and struggles against its weakness, relying on God's presence and power.  

Jesus goes toward His death as a hero, in a heroic way.  This is not to say that He is a kind of conventional conquering hero -- one who slays His enemies in front of Him and dominates everybody.  On the contrary, He is prepared to go to His death on the Cross as a kind of victim.  That is, a victim of the plots of the religious leadership and their manipulation of the people, because He gets in the way of their power and positions.  But, on the other hand, a victim is not one with the power that Christ has, the miraculous powers witnessed throughout His ministry, or His compelling power to speak which subdued and daunted even the police in the temple who came to arrest Him (see John 7:45-46).  We also know of Jesus' testimony to the power of prayer (see Mark 11:23), and we certainly know the power of the Son to pray to the Father ("Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?" - Matthew 26:53).  No, this is not at all a victim, except to the eyes of those who know nothing about the Christ and His identity as Son and the compelling nature of His character, leadership, and popular ministry.  He only looks like a victim to the eyes of those for whom strictly material appearances have meaning without depth of any kind.  Christ faces death for one reason only:  out of loyalty to the Father's will, and because He knows that this is the way to defeat death for human beings, the final enemy, and to destroy the "prince of this world" who holds human beings in a kind of slavery.  That is the power of the Cross, and there is so much more that His Passion, death, and Resurrection holds for us.  This is the ultimate power of God to transfigure and transform life for human beings, and the one way to salvation.  Because the one thing that God will not do is to compel us to love God.  Our choices are still our own.  Coercion will not save anybody; only repentance can work in the heart.  It is the devil who enslaves and compels and manipulates, not our loving God.  So Jesus goes to the Cross as a hero who faces sacrifice for the sake of all:  in yesterday's reading (above) Jesus says, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many" (for many is an Aramaic expression meaning "for all").  He tells His disciples to "Watch and pray" and so we should remember these words in Gethsemane.  For Jesus' earthly and human soul is in anguish, but nevertheless He subjects His human will to the divine.  He gives us a model of love.  This is the love of a man who walks into battle against the odds because it is the one way others have a chance of being saved, or of a mother who endures all manner  of hardship to care for her children.  It is not the way that sees only prosperity as the reward for good behavior or a simplistic and materialistic sense of the good life to which all are entitled.  This is the heroism of those who understand that we don't live in a perfect world, and there are times when we need to stand up to a crowd, or be humiliated for the sake of those whom we love, or even to take one on the chin for the team.  Life is not just a set of simplistic material values but involves a deeper sense of honor and ultimately of love that is the real treasure without which our souls seem empty.  Christ's heroism is the heroism of the One who cares for us and seeks to nurture and protect us, even to the point of dying for us.  And we watch His example and honor Him by taking His word to heart:  we must watch and pray with Him, even as He goes to His betrayal.  As human beings, we know His agony and we know His torment, the human loathing and terror of death and the terrible anticipation of extreme suffering.  We also will face betrayal in life, and friends who stumble, and who sleep when we need them, and we know the struggle against the weakness of flesh.  Let us watch and pray with Him, for our Lord has descended into this world to face suffering and death with us, to liberate us through His love and compassion and sacrifice for us, and He leaves us with the gift of His word.

 

 

I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered

 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

'I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

"But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."  Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And so said all the disciples.

- Matthew 26:26-35

Yesterday we read that on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?"  And he said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples," ' "  So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.  When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.  Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me."  And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?"  He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me."  And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?"  He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.  The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!  It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."  Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?"  He said to him, "You have said it."

 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."  Here is the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus; it is the long-awaited messianic banquet (as my study bible describes it), to which He admits notably even Judas (compare Esther 7), as Christ still seeks by all means to save Judas.  As his heart was wicked, the participation of Judas leads to his condemnation (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).  Christ's words are repeated in the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (the universal template for Christian liturgy), inviting the faithful to receive His body and blood.  In Holy Communion, we are truly united to Christ.  Jesus gave thanks (in the original Greek, this verb, eucharisteo/ευχαριστεω is the root for "eucharist").  My study bible says this teaches us first, how we are to celebrate this sacrament; second, that Christ comes willingly to His Passion, and finally that we are to accept even sufferings with thankfulness -- understanding that God can use sufferings for ultimate good.  The Old Covenant, it explains, was sealed with the blood of bulls and goats.  The New is sealed by the gift of Christ, who shed His own blood to conquer sin and death -- and to reconcile us with God.  Christ names it the blood of the new covenant:  God's promise and the fulfillment of the Law.  By "new," my study bible says, He means that this covenant brings immortality and incorruptible life; this covenant will always have the quality of newness.  For many, as noted in previous readings in Matthew, is an Aramaic expression meaning "for all" (see, for example, 20:24-28).

"But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."   The patristic commentators teach that Jesus also drinks this cup of His own Blood.  This He does to lead all believers into participation in His heavenly mysteries.  In My Father's kingdom relates to the time after His Resurrection, when Christ will eat and drink before the disciples in order to show the reality of His victory over death (Luke 24:41-43).  Additionally, this references the eternal banquet of the Kingdom in the age to come.

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  We note the tradition of Passover.   After the meal, it is likely Jesus and the disciples sung Psalms 115-118.

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:  'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'  But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  St. John Chrysostom comments that Christ cites the prophecy (Zechariah 13:7) which shows both His adherence and participation in the Old Covenant (for it was through this that the prophecy was given), but also besides giving clear warning what will happen this night, Jesus at the same time gives assurance that all is happening within a greater plan of salvation.  Moreover, we as readers are asked to compare the disciples who are unable to stand their ground at Christ's Crucifixion, but the same men will take the gospel to the whole world after His death.  I will go before you to Galilee is an assurance to them of the Resurrection.

Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."  Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And so said all the disciples.  The Gospels give us Peter's bravado, which leads him into not only denying Christ's word, but making of himself a liar.  St. John Chrysostom suggests that possibly the passion for recognition is still actively at work, the disciples' desire for greatness which has repeatedly come as questions as they drew nearer to Jerusalem.  Peter's failure will be a great lesson in humility, as Christ has repeatedly taught the disciples as the moment of His Crucifixion drew nearer and in response to their questions about great places in His kingdom (see, for example, this reading).  Let us note also that the rest of the disciples are persuaded by Peter's emphatic declaration to say the same, and so all effectively become liars in denial of Christ's prophecy, as all will be scattered at the Crucifixion.

What is betrayal, and how do we think about it?  In yesterday's reading, we read of and commented on Judas' betrayal of Christ (also upcoming in our readings next week).  In today's reading, Jesus not only institutes the Eucharist, but He also predicts Peter's denial of him, which Peter vehemently denies.  We could ironically say that the Eucharist is established and offered on this eve of betrayal and denials -- before the disciples are scattered and flee at His Crucifixion (Matthew 26:56, Mark 14:50, John 16:32) -- as healing offering and sacrament for the ills that will come from their separation, and even the ailments of the world.  It is instituted once and for all time, for all of us, as the way to call us back to God, back into communion.  But let us note, as does the commentary in my study bible, that the sacrament isn't a cure-all in the sense that it works against our own free will choice:  even such powerful help needs our assent, just as it only results in deeper condemnation for Judas as he still follows through with betrayal and fails to return to communion.  In a certain sense, any denial or betrayal of Christ on our part is effectively a denial or betrayal of ourselves, as we truly and ultimate "come to ourselves" when we find ourselves and our identity in Christ.  This is, in effect, the long -- lifelong -- process of our faith, a constant coming to Christ.  In the world of brokenness we will find many betrayals and denials, some in ourselves and some from others.  But ultimately, broken communion with ourselves or others reflects a deep need for our own spiritual communion with Christ, and it is there that all things are healed.  Indeed, it is there that good may come from evil, just as Resurrection comes from Crucifixion.  The Gospels do not spare us the failings of the disciples, even betrayal by Judas, and even though all are chosen by Jesus (John 6:70).  They give us a picture of ourselves in our own failings, and teach us the need we have to return to Christ in our failings, to see our way through an imperfect life.  The Eucharist always gives us an image of the union we desire, the ultimate healing, and is also called Communion for this reason.  In our places where we also miss the mark, let us consider that life in this journey of faith is a learning curve for us, as it was for the Twelve.  But even as we enter times of hardship and difficulty, darkness and testing -- even evil -- we must do so with awareness that He is with us, and with Him even the worst of times, when all are scattered, can be used for greater good.  We don't live in a perfect world, we live in a world where evil is present in the form of hardships, temptations, suffering, and death.  Our Lord goes to the Cross, but we are invited in our own lives to participate in communion with Him.  From the Cross comes Resurrection.  As we are called to bear our own crosses in life and live through His faith, so we also attend Resurrection in our own lives, in every possible form, and we are drawn, like the disciples, ever closer to Him through this process.

I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

'I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

"But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."  Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And so said all the disciples.

- Matthew 26:26-35

Yesterday we read that on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?"  And he said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples."'"  So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.  When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.  Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me."  And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?"  he answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me.  The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!  It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."  Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?"  He said to him, "You have said it."

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.   This is the institution of the Eucharist.  On the evening He is about to be seized and arrested, this is the long-awaited messianic banquet, to which He admits even Judas (compare to Esther 7), and seeks by all means to save him.  My study bible says that because of his wicked heart, Judas' participation leads to his condemnation (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).   In the Divine Liturgy, Jesus' words are repeated, which invite the faithful to receive His body and blood.   Holy Communion is meant to unite us to Christ.  Here Jesus gave thanks (which is from the Greek word for "eucharist").  My study bible says this is in order to teach us: first, how to celebrate the sacrament; second, that He comes willingly to His Passion; and third, to accept sufferings with thankfulness, knowing that God can use sufferings for ultimate good.  The Old Covenant was sealed with the blood of bulls and goats, but the New is sealed by the git of Christ.  He shed His own blood to conquer sin and death, and to reconcile us with God.  This Jesus calls the blood of the new covenant, which is God's promise and the fulfillment of the Law.  By new, my study bible says, Jesus means that this covenant brings immortality and incorruptible life.  We are to understand that this covenant will always have the quality of newness; this is the very nature of Christ Himself and the power of God (Revelation 21:5).

"But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.   My study bible tells us that patristic writers teach that Jesus also drinks the cup of His own Blood.  He does so in order to lead all believers into participation in His heavenly mysteries.  In My Father's kingdom relates to the time after His Resurrection, when Christ will eat and drink to show the reality of His victory over death (see Luke 24:41-43).  Moreover, it directs our understanding to the eternal banquet of the Kingdom in the age to come.

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:  'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'  But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble."  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."  Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"  And so said all the disciples.   Jesus quotes from the prophecy of Zechariah 13:7, and He makes His own prophecy of what is to come for the disciples, particularly for Peter.  But they all deny what He tells them about themselves.

There are two extraordinary things that happen in today's reading.  The first is the institution of the Eucharist, in which Christ not only prepares us for this time in which we await His Return, but also initiates the presence of the Kingdom in the world, and our way of participating in it and in His very life.  The second is Peter's (and the rest of the disciples') denial of Christ's prophecy that Peter will deny Him three times this night.  Peter vows that this will never happen, as do the other disciples.  But it's a very important lesson for us about reliance only upon ourselves for something.  We can't really calculate all our own weaknesses.  Only Christ understands that about His disciples, and about the powerful forces that will be at play to scatter His followers; these forces are both worldly and those described as the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12, Luke 22:31).   So often we are simply unaware of our real struggles and real needs, but Jesus is not "in the dark" about the reality of the present time and the dangers that are there.  Peter, and the subsequent story that is to come in his denial of Christ, illustrates an important story about our own confidence in ourselves.  While confidence is generally a good thing, and our culture certainly seems to admire it or form cults around those who seem to possess it to a great degree, there are different kinds of confidence.  There is a kind of toxic side to self-confidence (if we may call it that) when we fail to understand our vulnerabilities and weaknesses as human beings, and most particularly when we are blind to our own spiritual needs.  But having confidence that comes from a spiritual orientation to Christ and His promises is a completely different kind of confidence.  It is rather a confidence in the reliance upon Christ that acknowledges vulnerability and is aware of our need for spiritual strength in faith and communion.  And therein comes the Eucharist, which Christ institutes at this Last Supper before He is taken by the authorities.  Christ institutes the Eucharist in order to initiate us into the Kingdom that is present even while we live in a world full of threats and insecurities.  He allows us through the Eucharist to participate in His very life.  He gives us strengths, confidence, and nourishment of a kind we can't find elsewhere.  He gives us what we need for confidence in Him, even as He predicts that all of His followers will be scattered, but that He will meet them again in Galilee.  He meets us in the Eucharist.  Until He returns at the Second Coming, He is with us mystically in His presence through this communion that includes all of us in His mystical connection with us; His very Body and Blood allow us to participate in Him as He also is in us (John 14:19-24).  In order to find a genuine and realistic sense of confidence and security, this is what we need for a life in a world that is never without its risks and a life in which our imperfections and weaknesses are part of our very nature.  Life is a learning curve, but through reliance on God we pray that we may walk in the ways that are best for us, and that even our mistakes are used to bring us closer to God and more deeply into true communion and confidence.  In this way it is truly our humility that gives us the greatest strength, the reality of wisdom, and the capacities for faith through all things.  Let us be filled with the food He offers us.