Near the end of his [Jesus’] life, he struggles with a complete embrace of his mission. “If it is possible, let this cup pass from me,” he says, hoping that perhaps suffering is not what God intends (Matthew 26:39).

But somehow he realizes, through prayer and reflection, that his impending suffering, whatever it would be, is what God is asking of him at this moment. He realizes that it is part of the reality of his life. And it is here, it seems to me, that in accepting the cup of suffering, Jesus fully and decisively accepts his identity.

Part of his life and vocation includes suffering, as do all of our lives and vocations. In the Garden, Jesus accepts this essential human truth.

from Becoming Who You Are