Mark 14:32-42

Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.

Read Mark 14:32-42 trying to imagine the thoughts and feelings of either Peter, James or John.

It must be a strange and confusing night for the three disciples. They have heard Jesus talk of being betrayed, they have shared a significant and symbolic meal with him, and now he talks of grief so crushing that he can almost not bear it. He doesn’t demand that they understand, all he asks is that they “watch” with him.

These people of action who are ready for a fight are caught off guard by Jesus’ request, and as they sit in silence they are overcome by exhaustion.

Imagine yourself now positioned in front of Jesus so that he is looking directly at you. Without trying to force an image, notice your posture before Jesus. Are you standing, kneeling, looking away, distracted, maybe face down? What does your posture indicate about your physical and emotional condition right now? Talk with Jesus about this.

Read Mark 14:32-42 again noticing the way Jesus moves away from the disciples three times and what he experiences by himself.

There are places we cannot go with Jesus even though his presence is always with us. At times, the Jesus we think we know so well can seem unfamiliar and even distant. To remain faithful to him in times like these requires remembrance and trust.

Take a few moments to remember significant times in your life when Jesus showed himself faithful to you. You might want to create a timeline and jot down the various incidents that come to mind.

Can you think of a time when Jesus seemed distant for a while? What happened after that time?

As you end this time of reflection, spend a moment telling Jesus what you think and feel about him. You can simply finish the sentence, “Jesus, you are…” over and over.

If you sense that Jesus is inviting you to do something in response to today’s meditation, write it down and plan for taking a step in that direction.

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Are you finding these meditations to be helpful? If so, please forward them to a couple of friends.