Well, it’s that time of year again, exams and final assessments.  The academic year in it’s final few weeks.  GCSE, A Level and college exams have all started and go on for a long time. Good luck to everyone!  Asking the Holy Spirit to always inspire and fill you with confidence!

So, on this theme, I have a question for you. We’ll keep it simple. “Name one similarity and one difference between human beings and God.”  A similarity: Well, we human beings were made in the image and likeness of God, in the image of God we were created. A difference? ‘Glory’ We see the reasons for  ‘Glory’ differently? 

Victory, winning matches; beating your opponent; achieving your goals; straight As in exams.  It’s about success. That’s when the Glory comes.  The satisfaction of achievement. People’s adulation, their praise, being a cut above the rest.  Glory gives you that sense of worth, value because you have done what you set out to do.  Glory is about feeling good about your achievement.  Making your parents, family, friends proud of you and giving them glory too.  

“Father, glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you!” Jn 17:1.  And why? Jesus’ work is done.  He has completed the deeds and words that the Father has given him to do. His glory will reach its climax in the final victory of his passion and death for the sins of the world.   Then, all his followers, all who trust him and believe that he has truly come from the Father will possess ‘eternal life’ right here and now.  This is new sort of life that has come to birth in the world in and through Jesus himself.  

As we make our final journey towards the great feast of Pentecost, may our ‘glory’ always be making Jesus’ presence a lived experience in our world by our words and deeds.  May the Holy Spirit always be our guide, our strength and foundation, as we strive to complete the tasks and mission that we have all been given by the Father!