_The actions_: “He cometh to his disciples, and findeth them asleep.” We are not then forbidden to seek for consolation from our fellow-men; but we shall usually be disappointed; like Jesus, we must return to prayer. He prayed again, “saying the self-same words.” We should not try to be eloquent in prayer, but dwell on a few thoughts or sentiments. We can have no better model of prayer than we have here before us. The Apostles neglected their opportunity; hence their cowardice. _POINT III. The treason of Judas. The persons._ The Son of God is meanly betrayed by one of His own Apostles. How is the gold obscured! When favorite souls fall away, they often fall the deepest. How did he come to this? From small beginnings, by little thefts at first. One passion left unchecked is enough to ruin the noblest character. All the passions are in every one of us, and need constant watching. _The words._ “Hail Rabbi.” What hypocrisy! “Friend, whereunto art thou come?” Christ still loved the wretch, and kindly wished to bring him back to his duty. That is the charity of my model. Is mine like His? _The actions._ He receives the kiss of the traitor and shows no indignation. Then Christ lets Himself be seized and bound like a criminal, and He abandons Himself into the hands of His enemies, recognizing in them the executers of His Father’s will. “Then the disciples, all leaving him, fled”; and yet all of them had said with Peter that they were ready to go with Him even to death. It is not boasting, but praying we need. _Colloquy_, thanking our dear Lord for His generous love for us, asking that we may know and love Him better and follow Him more perfectly. _Notice_ that the thoughts here expressed are only suggestions and need not be entertained. The exercitant is apt to be most benefited by what he discovers himself. And when a thought or sentiment strikes him, he should dwell on it as long as it gives him devotion, and not hasten on to other matters. THE SECOND MEDITATION On Christ’s Sufferings before His Judges _1st Prelude._ Christ was dragged from court to court, everywhere loaded with false accusations; but He opened not His mouth. He was dressed in a fool’s garment, cruelly scourged and crowned with thorns, and bore all patiently. Exposed to the sight of the multitude, He saw a robber preferred to Him, was rejected by His people and condemned to the death of the cross. _2nd Prelude._ Behold Christ with His hands tied like a criminal, standing before the tribunal of Caiphas. _3rd Prelude._ My dear Lord, grant me deep sorrow for Thy sufferings and for my sins, by which I have repaid Thy infinite love. _POINT I. Christ is falsely accused._ Consider: