The Cross I

Gethsemane. Dark olive trees press in on every side. Jesus turns to his disciples, and his face is torn with pain. "My heart is breaking. Stay here and keep watch." He walks deeper into the garden, drops to the ground, and presses his face into the dirt. "Father! Take this cup from me! But do what...

Jesus walks back through the trees. His disciples are asleep on the ground, mouths open, bodies limp. He stands over them. "Could you not stay awake for one hour?" They blink and rub their eyes. His voice breaks. "Watch and pray, or you will fall when you are tested."

Torchlight through the trees. Judas steps out of the dark, and behind him comes a crowd — swords flashing, clubs raised, angry voices. Judas walks straight to Jesus. He presses a kiss to his cheek. That is the signal. The men rush forward. Hands grab Jesus from every side.

Matt 26:36; Mk 14:32; Lk 22:39