St Margaret Roman Catholic Church

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” —Mark

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all describe Jesus’ agony in the garden of Gethsemane. The Gospel of John— unique in many ways—mentions only that Jesus “went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered” (18:1).

The Gospel of Mark, which is quoted here, is the oldest, and linguistically the most primitive, of the four gospels. It uses strong, graphic language to describe Jesus’ experience in the garden. Mark says that Jesus was “distressed and agitated.” The older Revised Standard Version translates these words as “greatly distressed and troubled.” The point, however, is that Mark has no doubt about how human Jesus’ anguish was as he anticipated the hours ahead of him.

The Gospel of Matthew, not as old as Mark’s gospel and probably a little older than the Gospel of Luke, says that, in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus “began to be grieved and agitated.” Then Jesus speaks for himself, saying, “I am deeply grieved, even to death.”

Luke’s passion narrative parallels those of Mark and Matthew and also includes elements that are both divine and uniquely human:

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 22:41-44)

For his own theological reasons, Luke remarks that Jesus was strengthened by an angel—perhaps to make more graphic for his readers the divine presence at this terrible hour. Then, Luke describes Jesus’ suffering in a unique and particularly graphic way, saying that Jesus’ “sweat became like great drops of blood.” There is no question, then, that in the opinion of these three gospel writers, Jesus’ experience in the garden was one of intense, painful anguish.

For those who pray the Rosary using the sorrowful mysteries, the model provided by Jesus here illustrates the need, in the midst of anxiety, stress, and fear, to abandon oneself to God, our loving Father. We do well in such circumstances to tell him clearly what we want, as Jesus did, and then abandon ourselves to his care, making the words of Jesus our own: “Not what I want, but what you want.”

This is a selection from the Revised and Updated Edition of The Rosary Handbook: A Guide for Newcomers, Old-Timers, and Those In Between by Mitch Finley (The Word Among Us Press, 2017). Available at wau.org/books

2nd Week of Lent

Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons. (Genesis 37:3)

Have you ever considered the similarities between the patriarch Joseph and Jesus? They’re uncanny, really. Both were beloved by their father. Yet both were betrayed by those closest to them. Both were stripped of their robes, and both were sold for pieces of silver. Finally, both were miraculously raised from a pit so that God could rescue his people.

The way that Joseph and Jesus’ stories intertwine reminds us that God is a heavenly Author, and all of history is simply “his story.” Of course, it’s a story full of twists and turns, summits and plummets. But isn’t there something beautiful about how, even in Genesis, God is looking forward to the gospel story?

Joseph and Jesus also remind us that God is in control—not the rulers of this world. He doesn’t get frustrated when people with evil plans show up and use deceit and violence to get their way. He just keeps working behind the scenes, retooling what was meant for evil and bringing about good in the end (Genesis 50:20).

Often, when you imagine things couldn’t get much darker for God’s people, that’s the moment when he suddenly delivers them. Think about how God was at work in Joseph’s life. Joseph was betrayed, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Yet all the while, God was positioning Joseph to soar to the heights of political influence at Pharaoh’s side. And consider how God used the cross of Christ, an instrument of death, to rescue us from sin and to raise us up into heaven itself.

So what does all of this mean for you? Well, for one, it’s comforting to know that God is never caught flat-footed by the evil that comes into your life. Even at your lowest points, he is still in control. He still reigns. It’s often during those moments that he is working behind the scenes, preparing your deliverance.

It also means that you can fully trust him. God does have a plan for you. Do you have any big decisions looming? Bring them before your heavenly Father. Do you feel like you’re at a low point in your story? Keep running to God, and remember Joseph. Whatever happens, you can be sure that God’s plan will stand firm forever.

“Father, Lord over history, I entrust my life to you.”

Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

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2nd Week of Lent

He is like a tree planted near running water. (Psalm 1:3)

This psalm can seem abstract and overly spiritual to us at first glance. How exactly can a man be like a tree? And how are we supposed to be “planted near running water”? Bible scholars would say the psalmist uses this image because, like trees, we need a “water source” in order to thrive and bear fruit. And this source is the Holy Spirit, who is often compared to living water.

The image still might seem abstract, so let’s engage our imagination.

Picture this: you are taking a walk on a scorching hot, sunny day. You’re tired, and all you want is a glass of water to help cool yourself off. You see a river in the distance and walk toward it, thinking about how refreshing its water must be.

As you approach the river, you notice a mist rising from the water as it splashes over the stones on the riverbed. The banks of the river are damp as well, and so are your feet. Some water splashes over the bank onto you, and it’s taking the edge off the heat and your fatigue. You’re beginning to feel revived. The heat doesn’t feel as oppressive as before, and you are feeling more relaxed and peaceful.

Still, you’d like a drink. You bend down to scoop some water into your hands. Yes—it’s even better than you had imagined. Grinning, you reach into the flowing water to splash on your arms and legs. Its coolness seems to be refreshing you from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head.

Eventually, you lie down on the river’s bank and fall asleep. The sound of the rushing water is all around you, and you know that if you want more, it’s right there.

This is a wonderful image of what it’s like to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. We can spend so much of our time worrying about how successful we are being in the spiritual life that we forget that the Spirit lives in us and wants to refresh us. His love is always flowing, always cleansing the soul of anyone who asks. So if only for today, take some time just to rest with God. Don’t be afraid to dip your toes into the stream of his love and let him quench your thirst.

“Come, Holy Spirit, and refresh my heart!”

Jeremiah 17:5-10
Luke 16:19-31

2nd Week of Lent

Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 20:26)

Recently, a group of women began getting together to pray for their college-aged children. Things were going pretty well at the first gathering until one of the women inadvertently shifted the focus. Rather than stating only what she wanted prayer for, this mom added a few sentences about all that her child had accomplished. In their minds, the other women began to compare their children with this woman’s, trying to see who had done the better job of parenting.

Some might say this is a common pitfall of being a parent. Without even realizing it, we can all be tempted to seek attention for our children—or even ourselves—at the expense of other people. That’s why the ambitious mother of James and John might make us uncomfortable. Hearing her try to secure a special position for her sons in God’s kingdom can hit close to home for us.

Jesus’ response is blunt: “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” (Matthew 20:22). He exposes their mixed motivations and clarifies what greatness in his kingdom really looks like. Authority and position are to be used in service, Jesus explains. And to serve is to seek to love above all.

You are probably in a position of service in some way, in your church, in your workplace, or in your family. This gives you an opportunity to put this principle into practice. As you serve, focus on love. Try to take the focus off yourself, and that will help curb any tendency towards selfishness or self-serving ambition. Love looks at the people we are serving as treasured children of God. It treats them as vessels of the Holy Spirit, worthy of every honor and dignity possible.

The love behind service is the same love that brought Jesus into the world and drove him to the cross. It’s the love that Jesus has for you—a love that he invites you to share with everyone around you.

If you have difficulty loving the people you are serving, ask the Holy Spirit to help you. He will help soften your heart a little bit more, and he will help you find ways to care for these people more selflessly, one step at a time.

“Jesus, teach me to serve your people with your love.”

Jeremiah 18:18-20
Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16

Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Solemnity)

He was a righteous man. (Matthew 1:19)

That’s how we often think of St. Joseph, isn’t it? The righteous man who did not want to expose Mary—his pregnant spouse—to the shame of public scandal and punishment. According to Jewish betrothal customs, he and Mary were considered to be married already, but he had not yet brought her to live with him in his home. That made her pregnancy problematic, to say the least. So he took the righteous demand of the Law and tried to soften it. He intended to divorce Mary quietly and move on with his life. Righteous and compassionate, that’s Joseph.

But his story didn’t end there.

Joseph’s plan was interrupted when an angel told him to go ahead and take Mary into his home: her pregnancy was from the Spirit, and it was for the salvation of Israel. There would have been plenty to fear about such a union: Mary’s condition might bring shame to his household and family name. Neighbors would look askance at them, and his own integrity would be in doubt. Customers might hesitate to hire him as a carpenter. And what of his position in the synagogue?

But Joseph didn’t hesitate. He did what the angel counseled. Bringing Mary into his home, he willingly accepted the shame and disgrace that could have fallen on her.

Joseph was able to take all this on because he trusted God. He believed the angel’s word that God was doing something new in Mary and in her son. What’s more, in some mysterious way, Joseph’s actions prefigure what Jesus would do for each of us: like Jesus, he placed his own reputation on the line. Like Jesus, he accepted rejection and opposition for the sake of God’s plan.

That puts Joseph at the head of a long line of saints who chose obedience to God at the risk of their own reputations. Think of St. Francis of Assisi, divesting himself of his riches to live as a holy beggar. Or St. Joan of Arc, defying social limitations to follow her divine mission.

So don’t be afraid to say yes to the Lord, even if it puts you at odds with the status quo. Remember you have Joseph as a father to care for you every step of the way.

“Thank you, Father, for St. Joseph, a righteous man and holy model of faith!”

2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16
Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial)

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)

A young veterinarian was visiting a farm out in the country. He tried out a new treatment on a cow, and to his horror, the cow died a few days later. The farmer could have sued him and ruined his reputation in the farming community, but he didn’t. He never even brought it up again. The young vet was so struck by his behavior that throughout his life, whenever someone wronged him, he thought back to his experience with the farmer and tried to follow his example of forgiveness.

In a way, today’s Gospel is like this story. Of all the words Jesus could have chosen to describe his heavenly Father, he chose “merciful” (Luke 6:36). More than his justice, more than his power, more than his wisdom, Jesus made clear that he is a God of forgiveness and compassion—and he tells us to have that same attitude toward one another.

The disciples may have known this mercy historically, from their Scriptures, but Jesus didn’t want them to stop there, just as he doesn’t want us to stop. He wants us to experience his Father’s mercy personally and, even more, to allow this mercy to move us to share that mercy with the people around us. Instead of finding faults in the people around us, he wants us to love and honor them. Rather than holding onto offenses, he encourages us to forgive.

Jesus knows that merely telling us about God’s mercy wouldn’t be enough. He had to model it as well. So he tells his disciples, “Stop judging and you will not be judged” (Luke 6:37), and then demonstrates it by eating dinner at the home of the “unclean” tax collector Levi (5:27-32). “Stop condemning and you will not be condemned,” he says (6:37). Then he tells a woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you” (John 8:11).

Finally, in his greatest object lesson, Jesus fulfilled his call to mercy in the most dramatic way possible. Hanging on the cross in agony, he humbly prayed, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

What a merciful God we have! Just like that farmer, he forgives, he forgets, and he blesses. Every time.

“Father, show me your mercy today that I might show it to everyone around me.”

Daniel 9:4-10
Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13

BY: FR. MITCH PACWA, SJ

But he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. (Luke 4:43-44)

Jesus had a clear sense of purpose in his life, a purpose given to him by the Father who sent him. He speaks about this purpose, not only in this passage, but throughout the Gospels. For instance, Jesus states that doing the Father’s will is his food: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work” (John 4:34). Seeking the Father’s will rather than his own is a nourishment that sustains him like daily bread.

Furthermore, the Father’s will enables him to keep moving to the next stage of the mission, and it is his guiding principle: “I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me” (John 5:30). Neither his human will nor the will of the people in Capernaum or the rest of the world possesses the breadth of vision that the Father’s will offers.

This will be the case all the way to the end of his mission, as we see in Gethsemane: “Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?’” (John 18:11). Even his suffering and death fit within the Father’s will, not because the Father enjoys Jesus’ suffering, but because he can bring about his eternal glory even through ignominy, suffering, and death.

And what is the goal of the Father’s will for Jesus? Here is how he expresses it:

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:38-40)

Ultimately, the goal of the Father’s will is the redemption of every human being. God “desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). This will require faith in the Son, who has the power to raise up believers from the dead (John 6:40). For people to receive this faith, they will need to “see” Jesus and hear the gospel that Jesus offers them:

But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And who are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:14-15)

Being “sent” applies first of all to Jesus, who must follow the Father’s will and go throughout Galilee preaching the good news of the coming of the kingdom of God, with its need for repentance and faith (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15). As his mission progresses, he will send the disciples out to preach this same message during his public ministry (Matthew 10:7-8; Luke 9:2; 10:9-11) and after his resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:7-8).

We can reflect on how this passage is already teaching us some of the basic elements of the Lord’s Prayer. Yet before teaching us to pray that the Father’s will be done here on earth as in heaven, Jesus demonstrates his own determination to do the Father’s will rather than his own or the will of the people around him. Before teaching us to ask the Father for our daily bread, he teaches us that doing the will of the Father is his food.

How well are we following the will of the Father? Is it our daily nourishment? Do we seek to follow God’s will even when others misunderstand us or think we should be doing something different? Ask Jesus for a clear sense of purpose in your life so that you might be able to do God’s will. Then, in light of Luke 4:43-44, pray the Our Father.

This is a selection from Praying the Gospels with Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ: Jesus Launches His Ministry. Available at wau.org/books