Word for Today: Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.
To repeat a remark three times is an evidence of how important and imminent it is. For the third time in Matt 26: 43, with tears, trembling and tension, he pleaded that the Father postpone or push aside the forthcoming event if it were possible. The pathetic passion and pain were extreme and extraordinary to the extent that “Jesus said 'Abba Father' I know that nothing is impossible with you, therefore, please take action” (Mk 14:36) but quickly, without a full stop, he added 'nevertheless, let your will be done’
Several commentators including this writer have observed that the triple pain: physical, psychological and spiritual added together to pressurize Jesus to make that statement. The situation was aggravated by the fact that He was not the sinner, (he was born holy) and yet the sinners He was suffering, sweating and sacrificing for, were abandoning and abusing him. Three times, his own disciples were woken from sleep, and one of them, a betrayer, was approaching with soldiers to arrest Him.
No sympathy, no sober gratitude, no solidarity, no step of protection. The investigator (researcher, physician) Dr Luke recorded that His blood and sweat mixed up (Lk 22:44) from tension. Are we ready today, to go that extra mile not just for ourselves, but for others?
Prayer: Dear father, may I be willing to go the extra mile for the sake of yourwill and the benefit of your Church.