Begin with a preparatory prayer to ready your heart for the contemplation. Take some time to play each scene like a movie in your mind. Let your imagination bring you to these places. Afterward, close with the suggested prayer.
Scene 1: Jesus has just been anointed for burial by the woman in Bethany. While still there he sends two disciples ahead of him to Jerusalem to prepare the Last Supper. Then he and the other disciples begin the walk from Bethany. Picture the road. The skyline. What do you see, hear, taste, touch, smell?
Scene 2. After Jesus arrives, they eat the Passover lamb. Picture the room. Hear him speak of the bread and wine. See him washing the disciples’ feet. Listen to the conversation while Judas slips out to betray him.
Scene 3. Imagine Jesus’s arrest, torture, and crucifixion. Draw on all your emotions to grieve and sorrow over this event. Consider how Jesus does not retaliate against his enemies who abuse him, but allows himself to suffer in this terrible way.
Scene 4. Consider how Jesus voluntarily suffered for your sin as well. Watch him hanging on the cross on your behalf. Contemplate what difficult, but purposeful service you might give to him in return. Be specific.
Closing Prayer: O God, please give me the ability to empathize with Jesus’s grief, as well as the suffering of others. Grant me strength and courage to follow his example.