MEDITATION ON OUR LORD'S PASSION: Rise, Let Us Go: Behold He Is At Hand That Will Betray Me

SIGNORELLI, Luca 

The Prayer in the Garden. 

1502

Then he cometh to his disciples, and saith to them: Sleep ye now and take your rest; behold the hour is at hand, and the Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go: behold he is at hand that will betray me. Mt.xxvi.

Consider first that Christ having three times visited his Apostles, and found them sleeping, did the first time reprehend them, the second time held his peace, and the third time bad them sleep on: That thou mayest learn to bear with the infirmity of another. Secondly to assent presently to divine inspirations; for if Christ perceive that thou dost contemn his admonitions, he will afterwards hold his peace, and more sparingly suggest these things, which tend to thy salvation. Thirdly that when thou hast begun any good work, thou shouldest not waver, nor change thy mind: for Christ after he had subdued the inclination of nature, & had resolved even against nature to die, did not at any time after, show any sign of sorrow, inconstancy, or doubt.

Consider secondly that Christ framed himself to take a little rest or sleep with his Disciples, but that could neither be great, nor long, especially in a man so over wearied, & shortly after to be apprehended.

Consider thirdly this word (it suffereth) as though he taught us to use a mean or a measure in our rest and human commodities.

Consider fourthly that this word (behold) is twice repeated because it was a strange thing that any man could be found, which would betray the Son of God & man.

Consider fifthly (Arise let us go) It is not enough for thee, if thou doest not sleep, when God's glory is in hand; but thou must arise, go forward, & prevent evils,  suffer all adversities courageously for Gods cause.

Here shake off thy sleep, and pray unto God, to stir thee up effectually to labor for his names sake.

Fr. Francis Costerus S.J. 1616