The Glory of God
In the last post, we reminded our readers that Easter is such an important feast that it has to be celebrated for eight days. Part of the message was that Resurrection has far-reaching ramifications for both our future and present lives. The blood of Christ, the eternal Lamb of God, was shed for the forgiveness of sin and for the sanctification of his Body through the sacraments.
Today’s reflection focuses on another aspect of the Resurrection, specifically referring to the glory of God. It is obvious that glory and honor are worthy accolades of God, and it is right that they are used in speaking about Him. Nothing we can say or feel changes God; the honor and glory we attribute to Him says more about those who believe than it does about God. Regardless, to speak of the Glory of God is not without theological depth, especially when done in reflection on the Resurrection.
The plan of salvation begins with God sending his only begotten Son to be born of a woman, in time and space. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the sinless Virgin Mary: God and man, the living and eternal bridge connecting the Divine and human.
Although Jesus was sinless, he died for sinners and reopened the gates of heaven, which had been closed since the Fall of humanity. Only one who is eternal and shared humanity could pay the price for those who could not. Through Jesus’ Resurrection, humanity is offered eternal residence with Him, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. St. Athanasius in the fourth century summed up this reality nicely. “The Son of God became man so that we too might become God.”
Athanasius doesn’t mean our natures will become God, but that we will become God-like, and the most God-like attribute is to live eternally and never die. Having a life that never ends is synonymous with “glory,” human glory. This is what Jesus asked his Father, while on earth, to be glorified. “Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.” If Jesus already had glory before, why would he ask His Father to be glorified again?
Jesus’ prayer was for the glorification of his human nature, not his divine nature. By asking the Father to glorify His human nature, Jesus was asking that his bride, the Church, be glorified. The symbolism of the bridegroom giving all he has to his bride is the operative way of thinking when Jesus asks for glorification.
Everything offered and promised by Jesus contains the glorification of his disciples, meaning eternal life in heaven. The celebration of Easter reminds us of what awaits those who believe. We are all called to be glorified, different than God, but appropriate to who we are as creatures.
Glory is equal to holiness; holiness is equal to life eternal.
Jesus Christ is Risen from the Dead—Alleluia!