Last night I was at a vigil of prayer led by my friend Julia Sheffield. A group of us gathered in a small, intimate chapel which was a symbol of Gethsemane, the Garden where Jesus took his disciples before his arrest. We were the modern day disciples gathered with Jesus in contemplation of Good Friday about to dawn once again. Julia led us sensitively and beautifully with prose, music and silence in a three hour meditation.
As ever, in a confined space we become aware of our friends praying with us. Silence is rarely easy, especially when tired but atmosphere can work wonders. Even so, I found myself shuffling a little, so I thought about this and wrote these words.

Reflective thoughts on Gethsemane.

Lord, you asked us to stay,
to wait,
to watch.
Be still…

Language of vigil.

Attentiveness,
companionship.
Faithful believers invited
to devoted watchfulness.

Is that us Lord?
Is our fidgeting,
our drooping eyes,
shuffling feet,
punctuated snores,
stifled coughs,
wandering thoughts,
enough?

You said,
Watch and pray.
You also say,
I will love you and whatever you bring,
it is enough.

Your faith, however dim you think it is,
lightens the darkest of nights.
Together we cannot be quenched,
diminished, dimmed.
in a world in need,
We dazzle!

Mr. G. [Good Friday. 2024]