Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

There are moments of life that we call “glorious,” special times beyond ordinary  experience, that give us a hint of transcendence, a glimpse of glory, whether it is  a “glorious day” in spring or a “glorious occasion” like a wedding. Such times lift our spirits and hearts, and we feel transported to a different level of awareness  and know a joy beyond words. Such are moments of glory. 

We hear the words “glory” and “glorify” five times in the opening verses of to day’s Gospel as Jesus prays to his Father. In John’s Gospel this is the last recorded  prayer of Jesus, since John does not have Jesus praying in the garden. Jesus begins his prayer by telling the Father the “hour” has come, that is, the hour  of revelation, the time when the Father will give glory to the Son and the Son will  glorify the Father. It is the moment when the Son is “lifted up,” which refers to  both the lifting up on the cross and the Resurrection. Jesus has said: “And when  I am lifted up, I will draw all things to myself” (John 12:32). 

This mutual glorifying that characterizes the relationship between the Father and  the Son also embraces the disciples. Jesus says at the end of today’s reading that he prays “for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything  of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine and I have been glorified in  them” (John 17:10). 

Consider/Discuss

  • Do you see your life as one that gives glory to God by what you say  and do? 
  • Do you follow the example of Jesus by encouraging others to glorify  God? 

Responding to the Word

We pray this final Sunday in the Easter season that the prayer of Jesus can  also be ours: Father, give glory to your children, so that your children may glorify  you. Help us to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus  Christ. Alleluia. Amen.

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