Some of the olive trees in the present day Garden of Gethsemane in Israel are estimated to be 900 years old. And since we know that olive trees can regenerate from their roots even if they’ve been cut down, it’s entirely possible that some of these ancient trees actually sheltered Jesus in His Agony in the Garden. While on pilgrimage one spring I walked through that same olive grove, wondering to myself, If these trees could talk . . .
Remain Under the Olive Tree
We were only there for a short time but I felt in my soul an attraction to that garden. A longing to linger and pray, to heed the words of Jesus to His disciples: “Remain here, and keep awake” (Mark 14:34). This Lent, that prayer will be answered. In this year’s Lent devotional Under the Olive Tree, we will stay with Jesus in the olive garden, consoling His Heart and sharing ours with Him in Gethsemane.
Author Olivia Spears has spent years living with, learning from, and loving Jesus on that hallowed ground in her prayer and in Scripture, and her gentle guidance and generous reflection will help us to stay with Jesus too.
An Interview With Olivia Spears by Beth Davis
Why did you feel it was important to focus on the Garden of Gethsemane as the central theme for your Lent devotional?
In the context of Jesus’ Passion, it’s easy to move quickly through the Agony in the Garden toward the events of Good Friday. But this is where Jesus’ Passion began, and He offers us an abundance of His Heart in this place. It is worthy of pausing and reflecting upon. We could meditate on Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane our whole lives—there will always be something new for us to learn from Him and deeper ways for us to love Him here!
Can you tell us how you discovered this place of intimacy with the Lord in the olive garden and what it means to you? How did your personal prayer life and spiritual journey influence the creation of Under the Olive Tree?
It may sound elementary, but from the early days of my conversion Jesus has made the connection between “olives” and my name, “Olivia,” and the heart as the “mountain” of the person. So the Mount of Olives was a natural place to meet, my heart. As I grew to contemplate the Mystery of Who Jesus is, I could not help but dwell with Him during His quiet Agony. It is a place I want to remain with Him.
Can you share any specific moments in your life where you felt deeply connected with Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane?
Truly, in all my sorrows, however great or small they may be! I am reminded that, during His Agony, Jesus bore them all in His Sacred Heart.
Of course, I feel most deeply connected to Him in this Garden during my own agonies. When I’m in my own quiet, hidden pressing. When I feel it’s all too much to bear. When I have to look to the Father in trust and hope and choose His will above all.
What are some of the vignettes you focused on and why did those moments capture your attention and imagination?
These vignettes allow us to slow down and take our time contemplating this moment in the life of our Lord. We will stay with moments like when the Apostles fall asleep, when Jesus sweats Blood, when Judas betrays Jesus, and when Jesus is arrested. Each of these moments displays Jesus’ magnificent divinity and His glorious humanity. We stand in awe of Him as Master; we see some of our own stories in His.
Can you tell us about your relationship with Scripture and what role you think it plays in our lives as followers of Jesus?
Praying with Sacred Scripture has been my lifeline for over a decade. It is my consistent practice through consolation and desolation, the peaks and valleys of life. Scripture allows me to hear God’s voice and, since it is always active and never returns to God void, I know it is bearing fruit in my heart for the long haul.
How has praying with sacred art shaped your faith? Can you give us some encouragement for positioning our hearts for those visio divina reflections?
Since the days of the early Church, the Catholic Church has held up sacred art as a highway for contemplation. Meditating on the images we behold is meant to lead us to a higher contemplation of God and union with Him. When we approach sacred art, we need not be experts! Just be a curious observer. Notice the colors, light and darkness, and the characters. Often, the Holy Spirit will draw us to one element in particular. Don’t be afraid to stay there in silence and allow yourself to think!
I’m curious, do you have a favorite part of the devotional (I know I do!)? Perhaps a favorite vignette, essay, or painting—and why?
I love the encouragement to do a weekly Holy Hour! This is where that devotion originates, in Jesus’ call to “remain with Him one hour.”
Additionally, I really enjoy how the natural olive trees and olive serve as metaphors for the spiritual life and what Jesus endured during His Agony. There is so much hope and joy to be discovered!
If you could give one piece of advice to Catholic women seeking to grow closer to Jesus this Lent, what would it be?
The Lord wants your heart, and He wants your company under the olive tree. You don’t have to wait until you’re perfect; just come and be with Him. He will transform your heart more than you can anticipate!
What do you hope readers will take away from their time Under the Olive Tree with Jesus?
Jesus’ great, personal love for them. The lengths to which He would go in order to save them and be with them for all eternity. How willing He was to enter the darkness of the fallen human condition (He was like us in all things but sin!) in order to dwell with them in their own agonies.
Learn more about this beautiful Lenten devotional right here >>>
Beth Davis is a lover of Jesus, a retired youth minister, the Director of Formation for Blessed is She. She is passionate about teaching women how to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus in prayer through writing, speaking, and mentorship. Her favorite things include being the favorite aunt to her five niece and nephews, making friends everywhere she goes, and whatever book she’s currently reading.
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