Overview of Day 321: Jesus' Prayer in the Garden (Ascension — Bible in a Year)
Father Mike Schmitz closes Luke’s Gospel (Luke 22:39–24:50) and reads Proverbs 26:20–23. He reflects on Jesus’ prayer life (especially Gethsemane), the passion narrative (betrayal, trial, crucifixion, burial, resurrection), the Emmaus encounter, and Luke’s emphasis on prayer and Scripture. He encourages listeners to keep praying, to continue (or restart) a Bible-in-a-year plan, and points to upcoming readings in Acts and Romans. Translation: Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE). Reading links and support: ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear and ascensionpress.com/support.
Key passages read
- Gospel: Luke 22:39–24:50 (Gethsemane → Passion → Resurrection → Ascension)
- Proverbs: 26:20–23
- Translation: RSV-2CE
Core events covered (Luke 22–24)
- Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives (Gethsemane): honest, anguished prayer.
- Betrayal by Judas, arrest, and Peter’s threefold denial.
- Mocking, trials before the council, Pilate, and Herod.
- Pilate’s attempt to release Jesus; crowd demands Barabbas; Jesus delivered to crucifixion.
- Crucifixion: Jesus’ words from the cross, the tearing of the temple curtain, centurion’s confession.
- Burial by Joseph of Arimathea; women prepare spices.
- Resurrection: the empty tomb; angelic announcement.
- The Walk to Emmaus: Jesus opens Scripture, is recognized in the breaking of the bread.
- Jesus appears to the disciples (shows hands/feet, eats fish) and opens their minds to Scripture.
- Ascension from Bethany; disciples return to the temple praising God.
Main themes & takeaways
- Luke’s portrait of Jesus as a man of prayer: Luke repeatedly shows Jesus praying—prayer is central to his life and ministry.
- Twofold model of prayer: honesty + trust
- Honest admission of fear/suffering: “Father, if you are willing, remove this chalice from me.”
- Final entrustment: “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.”
- Words from the cross in Luke (= mercy, hope, trust)
- Mercy: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
- Hope/promise: “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
- Entrustment/faith: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
- Eucharist as revelation: In Emmaus, the disciples’ eyes are opened at the breaking of the bread — Luke’s early-church code for Eucharistic recognition.
- Scripture’s unity: Jesus “opens” Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms to show that the Old Testament points to his suffering, rising, and mission — Luke emphasizes that the whole story of salvation finds its fulfillment in Christ.
- Practical: prayer should be about communion with the Father, not purely transactional requests.
Notable quotes (from Luke and Father Mike’s reflections)
- Jesus (Gethsemane): “Father, if you are willing, remove this chalice from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.”
- Jesus (cross): “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
- Jesus (to the penitent thief): “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
- Jesus (final words): “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
- Angel at tomb: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”
- Father Mike’s invitation: pray to be close to the Father; make prayer a lifelong plan; consider re-reading Scripture to have it opened to you.
Short note on Proverbs 26:20–23
- Theme: The danger of gossip and quarrelsome speech.
- Lack of gossip: conflict dies out.
- A quarrelsome person fuels strife like wood to fire.
- Whisperers’ words are alluring but harmful; smooth lips may hide a malicious heart.
Practical applications / action items
- Keep a consistent prayer habit: emulate Jesus’ regular prayer for communion with the Father, not only requests.
- Revisit Scripture: consider re-reading the Bible-in-a-Year plan (or parts of it) to deepen understanding—Luke promises Scripture opens more fully to those who seek.
- Reflect on the Eucharist: pay special attention to the Emmaus story and how the breaking of the bread reveals Christ.
- Personal reflection prompts:
- Where am I honest with God in prayer? Where do I need to trust more?
- Which Old Testament passages point to Christ that I want to re-read with new eyes?
- If moved to support the project that keeps these readings free, see ascensionpress.com/support.
Closing reflection from the episode
Father Mike ends by praising God for the gift of Jesus and the promised Spirit, praying for listeners, reminding them that Acts and Romans follow next, and encouraging ongoing prayer and engagement with Scripture: “The scriptures are a never-ending source of joy, knowledge, wisdom, faith, hope, and love.”