Tuesday of the
Seventh Week of Easter
(Acts 20:17-27; John 17:1-11a)
It is commonly thought that the word glory means esteem, honor and
praise. However, in the Old Testament the glory of God refers to His loving, felt
presence in the midst of the people. Both
these ideas have to be kept in mind when reflecting on the must kept gospel
reading today.
Jesus is asking his “Father” to give him glory. He wants not so much to be honored by others as
to be allowed to show his divinity to the world. His prayer will be granted when he hangs upon
the cross. In the crucifixion Jesus will
demonstrate divine love as he draws all people to himself and will initiate his
Church with his mother and beloved disciple as charter members. Then Jesus says that he has glorified
God. He has shown God’s presence by
performing marvelous works in the Father’s name.
We too can aspire to manifest the divine presence. By our willingness to give of ourselves
without consideration of worldly gain we show ourselves as God’s true children. In this way we show ourselves worthy of
receiving eternal life.
