In the Garden With Jesus - a Lent Journey for TeensSample

Jesus’ life and freedom

“When you carry someone’s cross, don’t send him or her the bill!”

This is one of the lessons of Gethsemane. I am invited to drink the cup that doesn’t blame others for the contents of my cup. Yes, others’ decisions have consequences for my life which I don’t choose, but Jesus invites us to drink the cup free from bitterness and resentment.

No one gives themselves over easily to the deeper demands of love, forgiveness and serviceability. Transformation through prayer is needed to get us there. We see it in Jesus: only after praying, He can finally say: “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) He is able to give Himself over, without resentment, to the demands of a love which will take His life. After His prayer in Gethsemane, He is able to do what He must without feeling like a victim. Jesus gives up His life and freedom without bearing a grudge towards others.

When Pontius Pilate tries to intimidate Him by saying: “I can save your life or take it”, Jesus answers: “No one takes my life; I give it freely.” (see John 19:10-11) Paraphrased, He says: “You can’t take by violence that which I give freely from love.” And that is the invitation when we drink from the cup: “No-one takes my love from me, I give it freely!” Only then can we love others and serve without bitterness and without making others feel guilty about what it’s costing us.

But, like Jesus, we also get to the place where we initially say: “Take this cup from me! There has to be a way out, a way to be free from this.” It’s natural. It’s natural to want our freedom, to want to be free from burdens, from duties, from unfair circumstances. No one wants a martyrship they didn’t sign up for! But ultimately, love asks us to move beyond ourselves and sacrifice ourselves. There will always be something or someone that places demands on our freedom and opportunities: family responsibilities, school, friends, church.

Prayer:

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