Sleeping while Jesus Praying

One of the poignant incidents in St Mark’s Gospel narrative of Jesus’ passion is despite Jesus telling his inner circle of Peter, James and John ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death’ and goes off to pray, he comes back and finds them asleep. Not once, but on three consecutive occasions. Jesus is so exasperated that on the third time he says ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?’

Many theologians have commented on this incident. Karl Barth, one of the most important theologians of the 20th century, viewed the disciples’ sleep as representative of humanity’s inability to fully grasp the significance of Jesus’ suffering, as the depths of God’s love and salvation.

Isn’t that so symptomatic of us in daily life? Children and grandchildren figuratively sleep while parents and grandparents ‘suffer in love’ to provide for and pray for their well being. On many occasions grandparents come to me, as a deacon, interceeding with prayers and devotions for their grandchildren. Wives often ‘suffer in prayer’ for philandering husbands.

Jesus chose to obey the will of the Father, to the cross, despite the recoiling of his senses to the suffering, while we ‘continue to sleep and take our rest’. On the cross he says ‘Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do’.

The apostles sleeping while Jesus prays is significant because it highlights our human weakness and inability to fully comprehend the gravity of the situation. It contrasts Jesus' anguish and obedience in facing his impending crucifixion with our inability to ‘stay awake’ and support him. This incident emphasizes Jesus' solitude and the weight he bore alone before his betrayal and crucifixion.

Throughout Christian history, there have been numerous saints and martyrs who suffered for the sake of the Kingdom of God while others were spiritually asleep or indifferent. These saints exhibited extraordinary faith, courage, and endurance in the face of persecution, oppression, and injustice. Their lives and testimonies serve as inspirations for us to remain vigilant and committed to the principles of the faith, even in the midst of adversity.

I think of Perpetua and Felicity, early Christian martyrs, who were executed for their faith in the Roman province of Africa in the 3rd century. Despite facing imprisonment, torture, and ultimately death in the arena, they remained steadfast in their commitment to Christ.

And Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan friar, who volunteered to take the place of a fellow prisoner condemned to death in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. He sacrificed his life out of love for others, demonstrating the highest form of selflessness and devotion to the kingdom of God.

The lesson for us from the apostles sleeping is a call to spiritual vigilance and solidarity with those who suffer for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Just as the disciples struggled to stay awake and support Jesus during his moment of anguish, we are reminded of the importance of remaining spiritually awake and attentive to the needs of others, especially the marginalized and oppressed.

We are called to embody Christ's love and compassion in our actions, standing in solidarity with those who face persecution, injustice, and suffering. This challenges us to actively engage in the work of social justice, reconciliation, and mercy, recognizing that our faith requires not only belief but also courageous and sacrificial action in the service of others.