Jesus prays, "I have been glorified in them...they are in the world, while I am coming to you, Father." Jn.17:11a
The word that strikes me in today's Gospel is GLORY. To me it describes a circle-dance.
Jesus gave glory to the Father, who gives glory to the Son; then Jesus says He is glorified in us. Jesus passes on this glory to us & we can pass on the glory of God.
I love nature; I picture the Glory of God like the awesome beauty of a sunrise--Light breaking the darkness & spreading out to call the world to wake, grow & know a new day of Life.
As a Benedictine there is a quote from the Rule of Benedict, that I reference often in my journal with the acrostic: UIOGD (Latin for That in All Things God May Be Gloried)
We've been entrusted with the Gospel's Good News. We're in the world (but not of it); Jesus acts in/through us. We are to proclaim the Gospel courageously by how we live our lives & "use words when necessary," as St. Francis said.
The Scriptures for the day all fit nicely together.
The reading from Acts 20:17-27 reminds us that living the Gospel can be hard & dangerous.
The Responsorial Ps.68 prompts us to "Sing to God" who provides what we need & bears our burdens. We are never alone--Jesus is always WIT us (With us, In us, & working Through us)
Let us go on glorying in God's great love & mercy. When we encounter the unkind, impatient, proud, unforgiving ... in others (or oneself) let us strive to follow the humble Christ & so be partakers of His glory.
As the Scriptures tell us, let us all pray that we have faith to finish the race, bear witness & give Glory to God. Amen.
Question: Does your prayer give praise & glory to God, or do you think you are the one who should be praised for praying?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me be mindful that you are always with me.
May I live in such a way today & every day that in all things God may be glorified.
Reflection by:
Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB
Did You Know...
Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB, is a Benedictine Sister of Florida. A teacher at heart, she feeds "hungers" of God's people through Retreats & Spiritual Direction; she is Oblate Director and has involvements in Peace and Justice ministries.
