759 chrystus cierpiący DISCOURSE I The Bath in the Garden When Jesus had spoken these words, [H]e went forth with [H]is disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which [H]e and [H]is disciples entered. (Jn 18:1)1 Susanna, well-known from Sacred Scripture, daughter of Hilkiah, had a famous bath in her husband’s orchard. She was seeking refreshment by washing herself, since she felt tired on account of the great heat. Then, “Once, while they [the wicked elders] were watching for an opportune day, she went in as before with only two maids, and wished to bathe in the garden, for it was very hot” (Dan 13:15). But, it so happened that through an unfortunate turn of events, she was charged with adultery, having been startled and caught by the most corrupt old men. I hope that I will lead you, pious mortals, with better success into the Garden of Gethsemane. There, I will prepare for you a bath, or rather, I will point out the one that has already been prepared from the bloody sweat of Christ, so that you may be freed from the restlessness of your anxieties and worldly cares and that you may be cleansed from the filth of your sins with which your souls are infected. At least, [you may] certainly cleanse the spots of your more trifling faults, if you are not contaminated with more serious ones. Follow me at a brisk pace, to the place where I follow Christ Himself who leads the way. 1. Going into gardens usually serves the owners by relaxing [their] spirit. Here, they free themselves from their anxieties 1 Scripture quotations will be taken from Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, unless otherwise noted. Cf. The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version. 2nd Catholic ed. (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2006).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==