Preparing for Consecration

Knowledge of Jesus Christ

During this period we shall apply ourselves to the study of Jesus Christ. His rights to sovereign dominion over us; since, after having renounced Satan and the world, we have taken Jesus Christ for our Lord.

Reflection

Who am I?  Am I the betrayer, hanging out with Jesus just looking for an excuse to side with the enemy?  Do I run at the sign of danger, only to deny Jesus when I am confronted?  Do I fall asleep while Jesus faces the ultimate sacrifice?  What do I do when I see Jesus sorrowful and troubled?  Do I tell him my sorrows?  Do I look after my own needs?  Who am I?

Jesus asks us one thing, to be firm in our faithfulness; to stay awake, to watch and pray with him, to stand with him to face his betrayers.  A mother would never leave her son.  Let us then go to her for strength, for courage, for perseverance, to do what Jesus asks, to remain watchful and to pray unceasingly for the salvation and conversion of the world! – Bernadette Harmon

St. Matthew: Chapter 26:1; 26-29; 36-46

¹ When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, ² "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of man will be delivered up to be crucified."

²⁶ Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." ²⁷ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; ²⁸ for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ²⁹ I tell you I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

³⁶ Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go yonder and pray." ³⁷ And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. ³⁸ Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." ³⁹ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt."⁴⁰ And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "So, could you not watch with me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." ⁴² Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done." ⁴³ And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. ⁴⁴ So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. ⁴⁵ Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶ Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."