GLORY
The concept of glory in theology is deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition, emphasizing God’s transcendent nature and His manifestation to humanity. Glory, or “doxa” in Greek, refers to the radiant presence and majesty of God, as well as the honor and praise due to Him.
In the Old Testament, God’s glory is often depicted as a visible manifestation, such as the pillar of cloud and fire that led the Israelites through the desert: “By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night” (Ex 13:21-22). The Psalms frequently extol God’s glory as revealed in creation: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Ps 19:1).
The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the fullest revelation of God’s glory. As John’s Gospel states, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14). Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are seen as the ultimate manifestation of God’s glory, revealing His love and plan for humanity’s salvation.
The Catholic understanding of glory extends beyond mere praise or renown. It encompasses the very essence of God’s being and His self-revelation to creation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that God created the world for His glory, not to increase it, but to manifest and communicate it: “The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of man is the vision of God” (CCC 294).
For Christians, participating in God’s glory is both a gift and a calling. Through baptism and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to reflect God’s glory in their lives. As St. Paul writes, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18).
This transformation is not merely an individual endeavor but a communal one. The Church, as the Body of Christ, is called to be a visible sign of God’s glory in the world. Through acts of love, service, and witness, Christians are to make God’s glory known and draw others to Him. St. Peter encourages believers: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Pet 2:12).
The ultimate fulfillment of this glory will be realized in the beatific vision, where the blessed will see God face to face. As St. John writes, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 Jn 3:2).
REFLECTION
For us as Christians today, the message is clear: we are called to live lives that reflect and magnify God’s glory. This involves:
1. Recognizing God’s glory in creation and in our own lives.
2. Striving for holiness and virtue, allowing God’s grace to transform us.
3. Engaging in acts of love and service that reveal God’s goodness to others.
4. Participating fully in the sacramental life of the Church, where we encounter God’s glory in a special way.
5. Offering praise and thanksgiving to God in all circumstances, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness.
By living in this way, we fulfill our purpose as beings created for God’s glory and participate in the ongoing revelation of His love to the world.