Tuesday of the Holy Week – 7th April 2020 – John 13,21-33.36-38
Ultimate act of Glorification
After Judas has gone out, Jesus begins his long “farewell discourse.” These final words of Jesus to his disciples are very personal and mystical. They explore the meaning and implications of his death and resurrection for his followers. Thus Jesus focuses on his mission and prepares his disciples for what is to come. Introducing the climactic time of his life, Jesus states, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him” (Jn 13,31). In the Bible, the word “glory” signifies a visible manifestation of God’s presence to his people. Throughout the Old Testament, the glory of the Lord was experienced in fire, cloud, and a host of other tangible appearances. As Jesus prepares for his death, the truth of his life as a manifestation of the Father will be made clear. Christ was glorified when his Passion had begun, the hour when he offered his blood to save us from our sins. God the Father was also glorified in Christ’s Passion because the Son obediently did his will. When he is lifted up in crucifixion (Jn 3,14; 12,23-28) as the ultimate and perfect sign of God’s love for us, his glorification will be accomplished. Christ gave his life for us in the ultimate act of self-giving love.
