In this image, Jesus is with His three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, in the Garden of Gethsemane. He asks them to pray with Him.  Then Jesus moves a stone’s throw away, kneels, and prays "so fervently that His sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground" (Lk 22:39-46).  

As we look upon this image, we rightfully tend to focus on Jesus. However, may I suggest that we consider the three disciples who are asleep?  What do we see? 

We see three lethargic disciples in a deep slumber. Some have said that this is a foretaste of the condition of the Church. Yes, this is the Church most of the time—asleep!

As our Lord and Saviour pours out Himself and gives of Himself for us, and even while He personally asks us to be vigilant and pray (Lk 22:46 and cf. Lk 21:3-6), we, His disciples, are fast asleep.

Well, "let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober" (1 Thes 5:6). 

Yes, it is now time for us, Christ’s disciples, to wake-up! "Be watchful! Be alert!" (Mk 13:33)  and realize the power, the strength, and the dignity we have in our Lord and Master. 

It is time for us to stop paying lip service to Him, rather to be engaged and live out what we profess—live out our baptismal promise—in His power! 

It is time for us to stop conforming ourselves to this world in ignorance and start conforming ourselves to the mind of Christ—in His strength!