GLORY OF GOD
The concept of God’s glory is profoundly significant within the Catholic faith. It represents not just a display of brilliance, but the very essence of God’s being – His infinite perfection, majesty, and holiness – shining forth for all creation to behold. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully states, “God’s glory is not something added to him from outside, but is the very essence of his being” (CCC 213).
The Scriptures vividly portray the multifaceted nature of God’s glory. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read about St. Stephen’s vision: “Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). This heavenly glory – a radiant display of divine light and presence – awaits all faithful Christians in the afterlife.
God’s grandeur, however, is not confined to the celestial realm. The Psalmist exclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims the work of his hands” (Ps 19:1). Every star, mountain, and living creature testifies to God’s creative power and invites us to marvel at the intricate tapestry of creation.
Humanity holds a unique place in reflecting divine glory. Created “in the image and likeness of God” (Gen 1:27), we are called to embody God’s goodness and holiness. Yet, sin has marred this reflection, as St. Paul reminds us: “All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23).
The Incarnation stands as the pinnacle of God’s glory revealed on earth. St. John’s Gospel expresses this truth with profound beauty: “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14). In Jesus Christ, we encounter the very essence of God – His infinite love, mercy, and power – manifested in human form.
Christ’s miracles serve as tangible demonstrations of this divine glory. At Cana, Jesus transforms water into wine, “and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him” (Jn 2:11). Similarly, before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus declares, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (Jn 11:4). Each act serves as a window into the divine radiance emanating from Jesus.
Importantly, this glory is not meant to be kept for ourselves. Jesus entrusts his disciples with the mission to share in his work: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons” (Mt 10:7-8). Through acts of love, service, and proclaiming the Gospel, we participate in the ongoing revelation of God’s glory.
REFLECTION
For us Christians, the call to reflect God’s glory is a lifelong journey. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are united with Christ, sharing in his divine life. We are called to continually cultivate this gift through prayer, participation in the Sacraments, and living a life aligned with God’s will. As Lumen Gentium, a document from the Second Vatican Council, reminds us, “The holy People of God shares also in Christ’s prophetic office…by spreading abroad a living witness to him, especially by means of a life of faith and charity and by offering to God a sacrifice of praise” (LG 12).
As we navigate this earthly life, let us strive to be living reflections of God’s glory. May our actions radiate with kindness, compassion, and a genuine love for God and neighbor. In doing so, we become instruments of God’s grace, drawing others closer to the transformative love of Christ and the eternal glory that awaits us in heaven.
Let us embrace our call to reflect God’s glory in every aspect of our lives. Let our hearts be filled with gratitude for the gift of salvation and the presence of God’s glory in our lives. Through our words and deeds, may we shine as beacons of Christ’s love and truth in a world that so desperately needs it. Remember, each act of kindness, each moment of forgiveness, and each effort to share the Gospel contributes to the greater revelation of God’s glory. Let us walk together in faith, continually seeking to glorify God in all that we do, and look forward with hope to the day when we will fully behold His glory in the heavenly kingdom.