the suffering christ 760 and disperse the commotion of oppressive thoughts by the very pleasant sight of various types of trees, flower beds, as well as symmetrically laid out paths. Thus, one day, King Ahasuerus of the Assyrians, who was angered by the malice and cruelty of the most deceitful counselor Haman towards the Hebrews, rushed forth from the banquet and entered the palace garden. We read: “And the king rose from the feast in wrath and went into the palace garden” (Est 7:7). John recounts that our Savior, being dismayed by the crime of Judas the traitor, arose in a similar manner from that most holy supper, in which He drew His most beloved band of disciples to Himself. He thereupon entered the Mount of Olives (where there was a garden), with the three principal [disciples]: “When Jesus had spoken these words [...]” (Jn 18:1, above). One might have believed He did this for the sake of alleviating His sorrow, which He Himself had confessed was tormenting Him: “And [H]e said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch’” (Mk 14:34). But on the other hand, the [Church] Father St. Cyril teaches something different: “After the supper the Lord departed to the Mount of Olives,” he says, “where there was a garden: so that from where the fall derived its origin, from there would the redemption have its birth.”2 Human nature, in the midst of the most beautiful verdure of Eden, had been horribly blackened through original sin. To this first stain, almost every mortal has added his own many faults. Therefore, the Repairer of our race is entering the Garden of Olives to prepare the bath that not only washes away but thoroughly destroys our sins: “From where the fall derived its origin... etc.” Who would refuse to rush into this place? Who would not want to bathe here? 2. Saint Matthew, describing the behavior of the Lord of Heaven in this garden, says, “And going a little farther [H]e fell on [H]is face and prayed […]” (Mt 26:39). Did not even the strongest Samson fall to the ground in this manner? Did He, through whom all 2 Cf. Cyrillus, Patriarcha Alexandrinus, Commentarium in Ioannem, PG 74, 579.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==