One of the most evident characteristics of Jesus’ earthly life and mission is that he prayed: Jesus immersed himself in conversation with the Father as the core of his entire existence.
Jesus suffering and death on the cross are the heart of the Gospel and sheds light on the salvation he brings, our hope in the definitive victory of life over death. And Jesus’s prayer was most intense during this passion, transforming moments of darkness through intimate dialogue with God.
In those final days, even when feeling abandoned, Jesus continued to pray – calling out “Abba, Father” in the Garden of Gethsemane – he expressed intimacy and trust in His Father. Jesus prayer continues on the very cross, even interceding for those who condemned him. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Jesus prayed for everyone: He even prayed for me, for each one of you.”
Jesus’ prayer is intense, Jesus’ prayer is unique, and it also becomes the model for our prayer. When we feel abandoned, we can pray with Jesus the tragic words of Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And we join Jesus in making His sacrifice our own: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” I offer everything, all that I have, and place it into the hands of the Father.
Pope Francis concludes his entire catechesis on prayer with a powerful reminder: Jesus risen continues to pray for each person, interceding for us at the right hand of God (cf. Romans 8:34). Therefore, even in the most painful of our suffering, we are never alone. Jesus’ prayer is with us. “He continues to pray so that his word may help us keep going forward. But pray, and remember that he prays for us.”
Jesus prayer gives us courage and hope, knowing that “Even in the worst moments, we are already welcomed into Jesus’ dialogue with the Father.” May our life may be one of giving glory to God.
You are invited to meditate on Jesus’ prayer during his crucifixion: Luke 23:26-49 (Father, forgive them… Into your hands)
In the great “priestly prayer” of the Last Supper, Jesus intercedes for his disciples and for all those who will believe through their word. In the agony in the garden, he offers his anguish to the Father and lovingly embraces his will. At the darkest hour of his suffering on the cross, Jesus continues to pray, taking upon himself the burden of all the sins of the world. Our Lord becomes the supreme and eternal intercessor for all mankind.
Read Pope Francis’ Catechesis on prayer: 38. The Paschal prayer of Jesus for us
