Meditation and Reflection on The Two Gardens of Life

Bible Reading & Meditation  

 
Genesis 2: 8-9 & Matthew 26: 36-39

 
Genesis 2:8-9

Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and he placed there the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the LORD God made various trees grow that were delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and bad.

Matthew 26: 36-39

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me."
He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will."


 
 

 

Reflection:

 
 
We all go through times in our life when we live in "one garden." Like the Garden of Eden, the fruits of our labor are ripe and full, everything seems good in the world. We live life happily and content. But, we also spend some time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Everything seems dark and lonely and we are afraid. This also holds true for our prayer life. There are times when we pray regularly and then times when we fall away from God. Both garden's teach us that no matter what turn our life is taking, God is present with us at all times.
 
 
Sink back into your chair...take deep breaths...inhaling the goodness of God and exhaling the pressure and stress of your day. Bring yourself in His presence. Ask God for the grace you need to hear what he is saying to you today. Think about a time in your life that you were living in the Garden of Eden. What were your feelings? Why were you so happy? Then, remember a time you were deep in the Garden of Gethsemane. What struggle were you facing? Was God present with you in both Gardens? Visually place yourself in the Garden of Eden. See the beautiful trees and plants that surround you. Look for God present in this garden. Also, visualize yourself in the Garden of Gethsemane. Through the darkness, find Jesus praying and join Him.
 
 
 
 
  I write in my journal any thoughts or feelings I have experienced during this meditation and reflection.
 
 

 
 
Prayer Focus

 
In our lifetime, we will visit both gardens many times. Pray for the faith to remember that God is with us at all times.

 
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