As the hour arrived for Jesus to complete His mission of salvation on earth, He went into the garden of Gethsemane to pray, as He knew, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps 34:18). An answer from heaven to strengthen and comfort Him came in the form of an angel, that He might drink of the cup that is kept on Him: “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him” (Lk 22:43). Being in the human form, His basic need was support from His friends, who had fallen asleep: “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn't you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter” (Mt 26:40). As fellow human beings, we have the basic duty of giving support, that is essential in times of pain and sorrow, for nothing is comparable with that assistance in times of need. 

Abba, thank You for sending people along the way to assist us, and stand by us. Let Your Spirit strengthen us, that we may support those in need. In Jesus’ Most Merciful Name, Amen.