The Revised New American Bible translation of 2 Thessalonians 2:14 states that Jesus called us so we might possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, "the glory of an only Son coming from the Father" (Jn 1:14). "We have seen His glory" (Jn 1:14).
To possess the glory of God, go to Mass frequently, even daily. The Holy Mass is the place par excellence to possess the glory of God. At Sunday Mass, there is an entire prayer, called the Gloria, which focuses on the glory of God. In this prayer, we glorify God, saying "We give You thanks for Your great glory." Before the Gospel reading, the entire congregation exclaims: "Glory to You, O Lord." In the Creed, we proclaim that Jesus "will come again in glory." All four Eucharistic Prayers end by proclaiming that "all glory and honor is" God's. After the Our Father, we say to God: "For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, now and for ever." At the closing of the Mass, one option for the priest to dismiss the congregation is: "Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life."
Moses said to God: "Do let me see Your glory!" (Ex 33:18) Moses longed to "possess" the glory of God (see 2 Thes 2:14, RNAB). God allowed Moses to view His glory from behind (Ex 33:22ff). Later, Moses saw Jesus' glory during the Transfiguration (Mt 17:3). Surely Moses would be thrilled to attend Holy Mass and possess "the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thes 2:14). May we long for the glory of God and find it in the Mass.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I give "You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do" (Jn 17:4). |
| PROMISE: | "He shall rule the world with justice." –Ps 96:13 |
| PRAISE: | Rebuffed time and again by her son, St. Monica continued her prayers for him until his conversion. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College