Here we begin the Third Week of St. Ignatius’ Exercises; it is devoted to the consideration of Christ’s sacred passion. These meditations, or contemplations, are a tribute of love that we offer to our dear Lord; and they are suggestive to ourselves of generous sentiments, and earnest resolutions to practise even heroic virtue, in following our beloved King to the height of His self-sacrifice. By the light and grace they impart, they aid us to advance rapidly in the way of perfection. We read in the Life and Revelations of St. Gertrude (p. 348) that she beheld one day our Blessed Lord as He was after He had been whipped at the pillar, covered with wounds, and she asked Him, tenderly: “Alas, Lord, what remedy can we find to sooth Thy agonizing pains?” Our Lord replied: “The most efficacious and tenderest remedy you can prepare for Me is to meditate on My passion, and to pray charitably for the conversion of sinners.” It is in this spirit that all the exercises of this day should be performed. THE FIRST MEDITATION On the Sufferings of Christ in the Garden _1st Prelude._ Read the 26th chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel, from the 30th to the 57th verse. _2nd Prelude._ Behold Christ prostrate in the prayer of His agony. _3rd Prelude._ Beg grace to condole with Him and to suffer patiently and generously. _POINT I._ Consider Christ’s entrance into the garden. _The persons_: Christ, my Saviour, goes to suffer for me. The fact then regards me personally, I cannot be indifferent to its details. He selects Peter, John and James to witness His agony. Thus the severest trials come to God’s favorites. Christ has prepared them for this trial of their faith by the vision of His glory on Mount Thabor. Thus He provides special aids for special difficulties. All the Apostles have been strengthened for the occasion by Holy Communion. A fall soon after receiving Communion does not prove an unworthy Communion. _The words._ Peter said: “Although all should be scandalized in thee, I will never be scandalized.” Pride goes before a fall. “Jesus said to him: Amen, I say to thee that, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Christ saith to his Apostles: “My soul is sorrowful even unto death.” We should not then be discouraged if we shrink from suffering, and are saddened by them. _The actions._ Jesus prepares for the conflict by betaking Himself to prayer. I must do the same in trials. _POINT II._ _The agony._ _The words_: “My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” It is then perfectly proper to pray for deliverance from the cross; but we must ever add submission to God’s holy will: “Not my will but thine be done.”