Christ's Agony

The Agony

                Jesus, according to Judas' statement in John's Gospel, was in the habit of going to the peace and quietness of the Garden of Gethsemane after a hassling day in Jerusalem. It was on his way back to Bethany where he was staying during Passover week and so was a good, convenient place to unwind from the noise and bustle of a crowded city. He would sit down, talk things over with his disciples or perhaps merely sit, meditate and pray.

                This Thursday night was different. Sharing the Passover meal with his friends should have been a happy occasion; but it wasn't. There were tensions. The disciples could feel it but they couldn't quite put their finger on what was happening. But that wasn't surprising or Mark had shown throughout his Gospel they weren't the brightest lights on the landscape.

                Jesus could see what was happening. Everything was closing in on him. He could see the reluctance in the disciples even though Peter claimed that he would die rather than disown Jesus. Then Judas had been talking to the chief priests. clearly organising something. Jesus also felt that his passion for the Kingdom of God that had been driving him throughout his ministry had not been received as he had hoped. Rather than win the religious hierarchy over to his way of thinking, his actions and message had alienated them. He could also see that the Roman authorities were being more and more involved. This was dangerous, for if perceived him as a threat to their idea of law and order there was only one result.

                Now it was late and Jesus was tired. he was disappointed and he was very worried. As Mark puts it (14:33) "He began to be deeply distressed and troubled." The emotional stress of what appeared to be at that time a disappointing public ministry had caught up with him. To emphasise this Mark had Jesus say, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death."

                In his hour of desperation Jesus Prays. He calls on God, knowing that here he will find help. He doesn't want to face torture and death at the hands of the foreign rulers, and prays that this might not happen. But in all of this his complete trust is in God  and in placing himself in the hands of God.

                He fell to the ground in a posture of complete obeisance. Tradition has claimed that he prayed on a rock and this takes us into the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of the Agony. This imposing building is situated right next to the "remaining" garden of Gethsemane. Inside this church, located in front of the high altar is an area of bare rock - the rocky ground on which Jesus prayed. Fixed to the perimeter of the rock is a wrought iron depiction of the crown of thorns which added to Jesus physical agony before the crucifixion. This heightens the perception of agony which the worshipper/pilgrim can feel when visiting this church.

The façade of the Church of all Nations.

The church is very memorable because of its facade, four massive Corinthian columns supporting a large colourful mural. The mosaic on the facade depicts Jesus Christ as Mediator between God and man. It also is on the list of those churches built by Antonio Barluzzi for the Franciscan Custody of the Holy land.

                The name, Church of All Nations derives from the fact that the cost of construction was met by donations from a number of countries from around the world (not ALL the countries however!). Australia? Yes, we  donated the ornamental crown of thorns which surrounds the rock of agony in front of the altar.

                I have recently read a short prayer by the German martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, which seems relevant here and in our everyday life: Father in heaven you have granted me so many blessings, now may I also accept the burdens from your hand. You will not load me with more than I can carry. Lord, whatever this day may bring, your name be praised.

                Which in turn reminded me of Job's reply to his wife when she advised him to "curse God and die" when he sent suffering. Job's answer (2:10): You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?

Remembering Christ's passion in sombre colouring.