And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
All Commentaries on Matthew 26:44 Go To Matthew 26
John Chrysostom
AD 407
And at one time we find him addressing them all together and at another time Peter. He says, “Simon, Simon, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you.” Then he says to all in common, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” He is in every way encouraging them to be resolute and strong in these convictions. Then, that he might not seem to make his language altogether condemnatory, he says, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” For no matter how much you might wish to despise death, you will not be able to do so until God extends his hand. For the carnal mind draws you down. And again he prayed in the same way, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” It is clear here that his human will is in full harmony with God’s will. This harmony is what we must always seek after and follow. The Gospel of Matthew, Homily
