Glory

Scripture/Bible:  And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; 34 and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." Mark 10:32-34

Reflection:  The normal human tendency is to ignore the stark reality when one experiences a moment of glory. In such situations one is rarely willing to face that which is imminent.

We see a similar situation with the disciples of Jesus.  The situation of these disciples was that of denying what Jesus was communicating to them.

Looking at the situation in today’s gospel; we find that there was amazement and fear in the air about the people who were around Jesus. This was on account of the move towards Jerusalem. 

Jesus must have been to Jerusalem on many occasions but this moment was different, there was something about this Jesus. There seem to be a bent of mind, a resolve, a sense of mission and, specifically, a sense of awe about him and the people seem to have observed it. There could have been the special presence of the glory of God, like the one that went with the Israelites when they were walking towards the Promised Land.

Jesus, had to take the 12 aside and specifically instruct and admonish them that there was a greater glory in that which he was telling them; viz., “..the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles;  and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." (vs. 33-34)

We see as humans the reality and interpret them according to our ego and pride. We may see greater glory in power and positions, in seeking promotions and better emoluments, in degrees and qualifications and in having fans and followers rather than the drab cross of isolation, rejections, persecutions and trials, the cruel impositions of men on account of one’s faith and belief in Christ.

Remember, it is not merely enduring these trials and troubles that gives glory to God but the faith with which we carry on in such circumstances; the faith of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, I believe that you will supply every need of ours according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (cfr. Phil 4:19)

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