How do you "Keep watch" with Christ?

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Shakuhachi

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If we do a Bible word search with words like “watch”, “Wait” and “listen” we find many citations. When Jesus says, “keep watch” What does it mean for us? A lifestyle of attention and alertness? Isn’t that essentially what "Mindfulness"is? But we pretty much pass over this instruction with a “ya, ya”. We take it for granted and dont practice it.

When Jesus is in Gethsemani and he tells his disciples to keep watch with him, I think it can be applied as a call to meditation for us.

Although there is a significant distinction. Watchfulness in the Judeo-Christian tradition is mostly about watching yourself that you don’t fall to temptation. Good example is 1 peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Buddhist mindfulness is without judgment, more passive.

But then again, one must be open and receptive before letting something go. One must be mindful in the Buddhist sense to realize being tempted in the moment of temptation and detach from it.
 
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Keeping watch for me is simply spending time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. No more, no less.
 
There is the way of praying where my mind and intellect are more actively engaged, like the Rosary and my daily litany of petitions and intentions, but I don’t think this really captures the idea of simply keeping watch with Christ. I can sit quietly and try to still my mind, just focusing on Our Lord, whether I’m in church or at home, but pretty soon I’m thinking about all sorts of other things, like the past or the future, or all sorts of fantasies, anything but the present moment. This is when I find a way of praying like the Jesus Prayer, or Christian Meditation as taught by John Main, helpful in keeping my mind focused on the task at hand, keeping watch with Christ, and not wandering off in a dozen different directions
 
Shakuhachi said:
If we do a Bible word search with words like “watch”, “Wait” and “listen” we find many citations. When Jesus says, “keep watch” What does it mean for us? A lifestyle of attention and alertness? Isn’t that essentially what "Mindfulness"is? But we pretty much pass over this instruction with a “ya, ya”. We take it for granted and dont practice it.
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In another thread St Louis de Montford reminds us of out forgetfulness of our baptismal vows. To renounce Satan, forsake the world, & deny the flesh.

Like you said, Jesus asked his disciples to keep watch & was disappointed they fell asleep after only one hour.

I’m also reminded on Mt Tabor the three were overcome by sleep before the transfiguration.

All together I think a big issue is that we’re normally oblivious to the truth. God reigns over heaven & earth. & yes, we have to find a way to be aware at all times, in every situation, God is there looking out for our best intentions.
 
Shakuhachi said:
When Jesus is in Gethsemani and he tells his disciples to keep watch with him, I think it can be applied as a call to meditation for us.
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He meant that we ought to keep our focus on Him even when it is boring, or we are distracted by earthly cares.
 
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