Learn to suffer from Christ, Church Fathers: Day 037

Christ’s prayer at Gethsemane leads us in our own prayers, says St. Gregory the Great. “Your will be done” is the powerful prayer that every Christian should learn and use in times of trial.

So, dear friends, when the Son of God says, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39), he uses the outcry of our nature, and pleads the cause of human weakness and fear, so that our patience may be strengthened and our fears driven away in whatever we have to bear.

At last, ceasing to ask even for this now that he had relieved our weak fears somewhat, though it is not expedient for us to keep them, he changes into another mood, and says, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will,” and again, “if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done” (Matthew 26:42).

These words of the Head are the salvation of the whole body. These words have taught all the faithful, kindled the zeal of the confessors, and crowned all the martyrs.

For who could overcome the world’s hatred, the blasts of temptations, the terrors of persecutions, if Christ had not in the name of all and for all said to the Father, “Your will be done”?

Then let the words be learned by all the Church’s children who have been bought at such a great price, so freely justified. And when the shock of some vio­lent temptation has fallen on them, let them use the aid of this potent prayer, so that they may conquer their fear and trembling, and learn to suffer patiently. –St. Gregory the Great, Sermon 58, 5

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Whatever I’m dreading right now, would praying “your will be done” help me get through it?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you with all my heart that I may fight for the truth to the end with my body and my soul, and that if my faith is put to the test I may be found ready.

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