26 March.  SEE.  Glory.  Grandmother Josie took her turn. “I would like us to go to what Jesus said about himself in John’s gospel, chapter 8.  He disputes with the Jewish leaders about God, his own relationship with his Father, his work of glorifying God and how God glorifies him. This was one of the main reasons for the conflict with the leaders.  They saw this as blasphemy and a reason to do away with him.  How did they understand this concept or term of “glory” and how do we  understand it?  Is it the same as praise or honour or blessing?  I do have rather a problem with that, but I do know that self-glorification is not a good thing.”

JUDGE, reflect and share. Scripture: If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing, it is my Father who glorifies me, whom you say that he is your God. But you have not known him. I know him and keep his word. John 8: 54-55. Pope Francis: The mission Jesus received from the Father was that of revealing the mystery of divine love in its fullness. FM 8. Pope Leo:  St John Chrysostom wrote, “The body of Christ on the altar does not need cloaks, but pure souls; while the one outside needs much care. Let us therefore learn to think of and honor Christ as he wishes. For the most pleasing honor we can give to the one we want to venerate is that of doing what he himself desires, not what we devise.  So you too, give him the honor he has commanded, and let the poor benefit from your riches. God does not need golden vessels, but golden souls.”   DT41

St Francis: While at the beginning of his conversion process, out walking one day he came to a small derelict church and heard a voice from the crucifix, “Francis, go and rebuild my church, as you can see it is falling into ruin.”  He got down to work for some time, but came to realise that his call was not for a building of stone but for the people and Church leaders, right up to the Pope.  He then chose a new way of life of prayer, poverty and humility.  His short life was lived giving glory to God. Near the end, even though he was in great pain, he was inspired to write down his hymn of praise and glory to God, the Canticle of the Creatures, .

REFLECT. SHARE. ACT AND PRAY.  Reflect and share on the Canticle of St Francis.  

Canticle 1. Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings. To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name. Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks, And serve Him with great humility

The THOUGHTS for Holy Week and Easter are mainly based on scripture passages of the litugy and tories of the life and death of St Francis. Activities and Stations of the Cross for Families See https://marfam.org.za/lent-and-family-celebrations-year-of-st-francis/