The Ancient Witnesses

210 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

“If you picture Moses and Elijah as bodyguards for the Lord Jesus,” concluded Cyril, “Moses representing the Law and Elijah the Prophets, then you have the right idea.” 88 The Garden of Gethsemane At Mentor’s invitation, Ephrem returned to the lectern, standing next to Cyril. “The scene at the Garden of Gethsemane is quite different from the glory of the transfiguration,” said Mentor. “Just before His arrest, we again find the three chosen disciples accompanying the Savior, and we hear him say to them, Sit here, while I go over there and pray . Mentor read, 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, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matt.26:36–39). “Think of our Savior’s grief!” said Ephrem, “and notice that He was not ashamed to confess his grief, hiding nothing beneath a deceptive appearance. This, in part, was to show that he had clothed himself with weak flesh, and was united to a soul capable of suffering.” 89

88 Same as previous note.

89 McCarthy, St. Ephrem’s Commentary , 292. (XX)