Today’s Readings
Isaiah 66:10-14
Psalms 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
Galatians 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
There seems to be a common thread running through the readings, especially the two readings of the Old and New Testament. That thread is giving glory to God. Rejoice and be glad! Isaiah opens with “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her,” (Isaiah 66:10/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Here, Jerusalem represents the full realization and restoral of God’s people, Israel. It reflects God’s promises to his people, and therefore, welcomes the glory and praise for God from those who believe and have faith in his word. The Psalm today also reflects this idea of glory and rejoicing as it states, “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds!’” (Psalms 66:1-3/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).
As the priest says during mass during the Eucharistic liturgy, “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.” We respond and say, “It is right and just.” The priest continues and says, “It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy.” I believe it is our “duty” to give thanks and glory to God. After all, he is the maker of all creation. He does things according to his divine plan.
This also reminds me of a passage from last week’s readings. The gospel reading from last Thursday, July 3, was from John. It was the scripture story after the resurrection and the apostles were gathered together in the Upper Room when Jesus appeared to them. Thomas was not there. The others told Thomas about it and he did not believe. Perhaps it was out of embarrassment or jealousy or just the fact that he really did just want actual evidence of Jesus’ wounds so he could see tangible proof that it was Jesus. Then a week later, they were gathered together, with Thomas present, and Jesus came to them again, and he showed Thomas his wounds and Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). I believe Jesus’ response to Thomas also adds to today’s theme of glory. The next verse, 29, Jesus says, “You have believed because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 20:29/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).
How many of us have encountered things where the outcome may not have been exactly what we wanted or expected, or been able to see things as clearly as we would have liked. That’s called FAITH. Unsure about situations, but still believing. Everything is according to God’s will. Have that faith. Have that belief.
Therefore, we should give him honor and praise. I’ve thanked him nearly every day when I get the chance for saving me from a terrible car accident I had more than thirty-five years ago. I do honestly believe God saved me for another purpose. From how seemingly bad the accident was, it almost appeared to be a miracle I came out no worse than I did from that accident. And I am able to be here now to write this for you.
So yes, I think it is right and just to offer praise and thanks to God. As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatians, “But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Galatians 6:14/RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Glory to Jesus. Glory to God. Jesus was fully man and fully divine. He is the second person in the Holy Trinity. All glory, honor, and praise to God – three persons in one. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Praise is the form of prayer which recognizes most immediately that God is God. It lauds God for his own sake and gives him glory, quite beyond what he does, but simply because HE IS. … By praise, the Spirit is joined to our spirits to bear witness that we are children of God, testifying to the only Son in whom we are adopted and by whom we glorify the Father.” (CCC, 2639).
Let’s offer glory and praise to our God! It is truly right and just! Allow him to bestow his goodness upon you.
A Writer's Voice 