Glory, Glorious, Glorify, Glorified

Homily for Tuesday of Holy Week

There are several words in today’s readings that can only be understood if we go back to the story of the Garden of Eden. Once they had eaten the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve realized that they were naked. There reaction to this was predictable. They were ashamed, so ashamed that they covered themselves with garments made of leaves.

Isaiah tells us that the Suffering Servant wondered whether he had toiled in vain and spent his strength for nothing. God may have wondered the same thing when he discovered that Adam and Eve had covered themselves. Everything God had created caused him to remark, “This is good.” However, the Suffering Servant eventually realized that is glorious in the sight of God, just the opposite of Adam and Eve.

Throughout the Gospel text for today, we hear the word “glorified.” Glory or honor is the opposite of shame. To glorify God, Jesus tells us that we need to fulfill the purpose of our Creator, to reveal God’s goodness in the act of creation.

Consequently, I have chosen the word “glory” or “glorious” or “glorified” as the mindfulness cue for today. As we go through our day, may everything we do glorify God.