Jesus was praying alone in the presence of his disciples
Spending last weekend with friends and acquaintances at the tiny cottage adjoining a large beach-house was truly a wonderful experience. We were invited to join their large extended family for three days of rest and relaxation. The coordination of cooking and cleaning was remarkable. And it was a joyful experience to interact with a wide range of personalities over meals.
What struck me most was how each personality added its own flavour to the weekend, like ingredients in a well-seasoned dish. There were the quiet observers who said little but smiled often, the animated storytellers who drew laughter from every corner of the table, the opinionated ones who sparked lively discussions, and the gentle peacemakers who smoothed over any tension with grace.
Somehow, despite our differences in age, background, and temperament, there was a shared spirit of generosity and inclusion. I reflected on the similarity with the opening line of this week’s Gospel Luke 9: 18-24 ‘Jesus was praying alone in the presence of his disciples’. I imagine it must have been a similar gathering with his disciples.
It is in this setting that Jesus withdraws to one side and enters into prayer. I believe the Father gives him an insight into what He is to undergo in Jerusalem. What a poignant moment, to have that painful fore-knowledge in the midst of merriment.
I think of parents having some sad awareness of what is to come but cannot yet share it with the family - the onset of an illness, the impending breakup of a marriage, the loss of a job, financial insecurity, coming eviction. It is in these moments we pray silently alone. I wondered if on the weekend anyone harbored those private silent prayers.
It made me aware of how important it is to remain aware of the feelings of others. To truly listen—not just to words, but to silences, to the subtle changes in tone or expression, to the hesitations and the glances away. So often, people carry hidden burdens while still showing up with a smile, sharing a joke, or passing the bread.
The Gospel reminded me that while joy may be shared openly, sorrow is often held quietly within. As followers of Christ, we are called to be attentive, to create spaces where the unspoken can gently surface, and to accompany one another with compassion, just as Jesus did—even when he himself carried the weight of what was to come.
Friends, I am embarking on a pilgrimage. I will be sharing my reflections and images along the way. Please subscribe at the LINK to follow the journey. Today is the first post - Why I am Setting Out on this Pilgrimage.