Lent Guide: In the Shadow of Gethsemaneಮಾದರಿ

Take my damp hands

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.!” – Mark 14:34a (NLT)

Jesus is preparing for His death. He is processing and trying to find a way to go into and through this suffering. He could’ve taken on the persona of the unwavering hero. He could’ve been the emotionless and always even-tempered mentor, but our teacher and example is fully human and admits honestly: “I am so distressed I could die!” How is it for you to realise that Jesus felt like this? I wonder, was it perhaps necessary to give His disciples, His friends, this glimpse into His heart, not only for their sakes but also for His?

He asks both His friends and God for support and help. Who do we ask in our reality of suffering to take our damp hands in theirs? We can have a conversation directly with God where we pour out our hearts and cry out, “It’s too much…” But God also works through His body, the community of believers. How can we take each other’s damp hands, hear the cries of distress, and hold on?

Exercise

• Use your forefinger to slowly trace your other hand’s outline. Now, rub your palm with your thumb. Make both hands into fists, clench them, and let go again after a few seconds. Think about how stress and anxiety often show up in your hands.
• Ask God for the ability and trust to put your damp hands, hands of distress, in His. As you do this, turn your hands palms up.
• Now, decide with whom you want to embark on this journey. Find a spiritual conversation partner or group with whom you can share your experiences weekly.

Prayer: I ask for a deep consciousness of Your love and work in my life.