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The Agony in the Garden
Rosary

The Agony in the Garden

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The Agony in the Garden is the First Sorrowful Mystery of the Holy Rosary. This meditation is drawn directly from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It invites the faithful to contemplate Jesus's intense suffering in Gethsemane as he prays in anticipation of his Passion, ultimately submitting to the Father's will.

Prayer Text

The First Sorrowful Mystery. The Agony in the Garden. Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go yonder and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

What is the The Agony in the Garden?

This mystery is based on the scriptural accounts of Jesus's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22). While the practice of meditating on Christ's life developed over centuries, the Rosary mysteries were standardized by Pope St. Pius V in the 16th century. The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that in this moment, Jesus's prayer “restores man to God’s likeness by offering his will for the Father’s” (CCC 2606).

What does the The Agony in the Garden mean?

The Agony in the Garden reveals the depth of Christ's humanity and his perfect obedience. In his sorrow, he prays, "not as I will, but as thou wilt," providing a perfect model for Christian prayer. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, his acceptance of the "cup" of his Passion expresses his loving obedience to the Father, which is the very instrument of our salvation (CCC 612). It is a meditation on trust amid suffering.

When Do Catholics Pray the The Agony in the Garden?

The Sorrowful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays, and throughout the season of Lent. This particular mystery is fitting when praying for the grace to accept God's will, especially in times of fear, anxiety, or great trial. It is also prayed for those who are suffering, for perseverance in prayer, and in reparation for sin. It is often a focus during Holy Hour devotions, especially on Holy Thursday.

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