Stations of the Cross - First station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

*Note for Catholics: The following stations of the cross are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations that you would know. This alternative set ties in scripture, and serves as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ's passion, for the benefit of our protestant brothers and sisters on this journey.

Examination on conscience
Before each station, please take a couple of minutes becoming aware of the things we have done to offend God in the last 24 hours.

Act of Contrition
O Lord, my Redeemer, my only way to salvation. From the bottom of my heart I am sorry for all the times I allowed myself to be drawn away from you. Because of Your love, I promise to try again, with Your help, to not sin again.

First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Matthew 26:36-41

Reflection
While we regularly doze off in our journey with Christ, He shows us true conviction in this relationship. He lowered Himself to become one of us. Yet, even knowing He was going to die for us unworthy sinners, He let His divine will take precedence over His human struggle. He said once to His disciples: "My food is to do the Father's will", and that statement was true at this moment - living would be meaningless if God was not in the picture. Do we struggle within ourselves against sin, or do we simply allow ourselves to sin and make the excuse: "Ah, I'm only human"?

Prayer
Lord, grant us your strength and wisdom, that we may seek to follow your will in all things.