Monday, December 15^th

Gospel Reading Luke 22:39-53

³⁹He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” ⁴¹Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ⁴²“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” ⁴³Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. ⁴⁴In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. ⁴⁵When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, ⁴⁶and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”

Reflection:

A lesson from the Garden of Gethsemane is about staying awake and alert in the spiritual life. A Sanskrit proverb speaks to staying alert in this way,
“Look to this day, for it is life, the very life of life.

In its brief course shall lie all

The realities and verities of existence,

The bliss of growth, the splendor of action,

The glory of power – – for yesterday is but a dream,

And tomorrow is only a vision, but today, well lived,

Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness

And tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day.”

Question for reflection:

How might we be alert to God’s presence as we prepare for Christ’s birth?