Episode 2967: Gethsemane’s Hour Watch, Pray and Embrace the Divine Will

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Book Recommendation of the Day
Pope Leo XIII
Aeterni Patris: A call to restore Thomistic philosophy in Catholic education.

Gethsemane’s Hour: Watch, Pray, and Embrace the Divine Will
We will journey through the scripture readings, the lives of the saints, and a reflection to strengthen our faith in Christ.
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Epistle: 2 Kings 24:1-4
"In his days, Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon came up, and Joakim became his servant three years: then again he rebelled against him. And the Lord sent against him the rovers of the Chaldees, and the rovers of Syria, and the rovers of Moab, and the rovers of the children of Ammon: and he sent them against Juda, to destroy it, according to the word of the Lord, which he had spoken by his servants the prophets. And this came upon Juda by the word of the Lord, that he might remove them from before his face, for the sins of Manasses, according to all that he did, and for the innocent blood that he shed, and filled Jerusalem with innocent blood: and therefore the Lord would not be appeased."
Gospel: Mark 14:32-38
"And they came to a farm called Gethsemani. And he said to his disciples: Sit you here, while I pray. And he taketh Peter and James and John with him; and he began to fear and to be heavy. And he saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death; stay you here, and watch. And when he was gone forward a little, he fell flat on the ground; and he prayed that if it might be, the hour might pass from him. And he saith: Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee, remove this chalice from me; but not what I will, but what thou wilt. And he cometh and findeth them sleeping. And he saith to Peter: Simon, sleepest thou? couldst thou not watch one hour? Watch ye, and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
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Feast Days of February 28
• St. Romanus, Abbot (5th century) – A holy monk of Condat in France who founded a monastic community based on the strict observances of early Christian asceticism.
• St. Oswald of Worcester (d. 992) – Archbishop of York, known for his great humility, charity, and monastic reforms.
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Themes and Reflection
1. Christ's Agony and Our Trials
The Gospel presents Our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane, where His sorrow reaches its peak. We see Christ, in His sacred humanity, experiencing the depth of suffering yet submitting fully to the Divine Will. This is a lesson for us: when trials come, our response must be, "Not my will, but Thine be done."
2. The Danger of Spiritual Slumber
Jesus warned His apostles, "Watch ye, and pray that you enter not into temptation." Too often, we fall into spiritual sloth, neglecting our prayer life, allowing distractions to consume us, and failing to guard against the attacks of the enemy. Let us take these words seriously and remain vigilant.
3. The Consequences of Sin
The Epistle recounts the judgment upon Judah due to the sins of Manasses, reminding us that nations and individuals alike reap the consequences of sin when they turn from God. The shedding of innocent blood, as mentioned in the passage, brings divine justice. In our own times, we must pray for the conversion of sinners and atonement for the sins of our world.
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Quote of the Day
"In tribulations, turn to Mary and you will find comfort and strength." – St. Bernard of Clairvaux
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Conclusionary Prayer
Let us now conclude with a prayer:
O Most Holy and Sorrowful Mother,
You who stood at the foot of the Cross,
strengthen us in our trials,
teach us to remain faithful in suffering,
and lead us always to your Son.
Grant us the grace to watch and pray,
lest we fall into temptation.
Purify our hearts, O Lord,
that we may accept Thy Holy Will,
even when it demands sacrifice.
Through the intercession of St. Romanus and St. Oswald,
may we grow in holiness and remain steadfast in faith.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
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Closing Remarks
Thank you for joining us today on Daily Bread: Scripture, Saints, and Sacred Reflections. May the words of the Gospel take root in your soul, and may the intercession of the saints guide you on the path to holiness. Until next time, keep watch, pray, and trust in the Lord.
God bless you!