SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: the hour of glory by Fr. Ben Agbara

THE HOUR OF GLORY IS THE HOUR OF THE CROSS BY FR. BEN OGECHI AGBARA
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Biblical scholars generally divide the Gospel according to John into 2: The book of signs (1:19-12:50) and the book of glory (13:1-20:31). The former shows Jesus bringing different types of people to believe in him through his teaching and the signs he showed. In the latter Jesus begins to announce his exit which will necessarily be through the cross. However, this division of the book is more for academic convenience and exegesis, not really to separate the sign and the glory. From the wedding at Cana the Evangelist records that Jesus revealed his glory when he changed water into wine, which is the first or the alpha sign. The cross itself is also a sign, the omega sign. It's the climax of his signs and it is the fulness of his glory.
He saved the world through the cross. So nearness to the cross is nearness to glory. We should not think that Jesus enjoyed the cross. No, he didn't. What Jesus enjoyed was the glory of God and the salvation of humanity. It was by being raised on the cross that he could draw all men and women to himself.
Jesus invites us to accept the cross as a necessary condition for salvation. It is only only by dying that a grain of wheat bears fruit. We may not experience the cross exactly as Jesus did. Our cross may not be the rituals that we carry out during the lenten season or Holy Week. It may just be a little thing you have to do or forfeit for the glory of God and the good of humanity. Don't just be interested in the signs shown by Jesus. Be a part of it. The cross is the greatest or the omega sign. The new Covenant is sealed by the blood of Jesus on the cross. If you are a part of his cross then you are a part of his glory and a part of the new Covenant. Remember that the hour of glory is the hour of the cross. The hour of glory has come. Let us get involved. Don't forget to pray for a peaceful election in Nigeria and also to get involved in the process. Let the glory of God shine on us and on our land. Happy Sunday. God bless us.

REV. FR. BEN OGECHI AGBARA
CATHOLIC DICESES OF PORT HARCOURT