Wednesday, the Second Week of Lent

“And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not watch with me one hour?”  (Matt 26: 40)

   Peter, James and John were asked by Jesus to watch with Him while He prayed in Gethsemane.  He found them sleeping when he returned, not once but three times.  They just couldn’t seem to keep their eyes open as the saying goes.

   How many times have I failed to watch with my Lord for even an hour?  I’m ashamed to say that those times are far more frequent that I would wish.  Distractions are everywhere today.  How many times have you been fully engaged in the lesson being shared from the pulpit when a phone rang a few pews away.  Immediately two things happen.  First, the owner of the phone panics and tries to shut it off.  This effort sometimes creates more confusion than the ringing of the phone.  Second, your whole train of thought is gone.  No longer are you even aware of what the Pastor was saying.  Your mind is most likely castigating the person who was so inconsiderate as to not turn off or silence their phone.  Perhaps you were slinging a few barbs their way under your breath.  Regardless, the lesson being taught has been lost.  Hopefully, you will always remember to turn off or silence your own phone to avoid being the one causing the distraction rather that the one being distracted.

   How many times have you made a commitment to do more for the church or to help out in one of the ministries always asking for help?  How many times have you actually followed through?  Again, we all seem to have big plans that never come to fruition.

   Just as I’m sure that Peter, James and John fully intended to remain awake with Jesus during His suffering in the garden, our intentions are good and honorable as well.  It’s the follow-through that gets lost.

   An hour can seem like an eternity or it can slip by before we know it.  One thing I’ve found is that an hour spent with our Lord in prayer and reflection is the best hour of the day.  It may be a hard habit to establish but it’s also one that you will not want to break.  That hour can vastly improve your day, your outlook, and your faith.

   Especially during this period of self-reflection and contemplation, let’s strive to do what the disciples did not; stay and watch with Jesus.  “…the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is week.” (Matt 26: 41)