This 16th century work is based on an original by El Greco which now hangs in the Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio. It’s a scene of Christ in torment, moments before his arrest – we can see the soldiers coming for him to the right.

According to the Gospels, Christ retreated to the garden of Gethsemane to pray, asking God to spare him the ‘cup of suffering’ that he knew awaited him. Here an angel shrouded in supernatural light, stronger than that of the moon beyond, presents Christ with the cup. He is shown accepting his inevitable suffering.

Jesus is alive and His life brings life to us. We can place the heavy burdens we carry on His shoulders and in turn receive His grace, joy and freedom of living with and for Him.

As we approach the start of Lent some people give up things so they can focus on God. Others take up things to bless other people. Why not start something new this lent? A good place to start is with the one who makes all things new, Jesus Christ. His love for us is huge and he calls each of us to walk closer with him day by day. What will you start this Lent?

pollybrown@mottramparish.org.uk

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