A Homily on John 13:31–35: Finding Glory in Daily Crosses

A Homily on John 13:31–35  : Cross = glory. For Jesus, the cross is not a place of defeat, but the moment of glorification — where God’s love is revealed most fully. ( Sunday the 18th of May 2025)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

 Once, there lived a saintly monk in the desert. usually, he was very happy. However, for many days he was silent, withdrawn, and deeply sorrowful. A friend gently asked him, “Why are you so sad?” The monk answered weeping, “I fear that the Lord has forgotten me.” The friend was shocked. “Why do you say such a thing?” The saintly monk replied with tears, “Because I have no suffering, either mental or physical, for many days and it is a clear sign that God has forgotten me and I am afraid of it.”

We might wonder that the monk is mad, but when we understand today’s Gospel deeply, we would agree with the monk.  In today’s Gospel (John 13:31–35), Jesus says something unusual: “Now the Son of Man is glorified.”  The word ‘Glorified’ may sound something great to our ordinary ears. We might think that it is all about praise and honour it is about power and greatness. But If we think so, we are mistaken. it is because Jesus used this statement just after Judas leaves to betray Him. 

Yes, for Jesus, pain, rejection, shame, cross lowliness, denial and even betrayal were all means of Glorification. For Jesus, glory is not in comfort or applause, but in love that suffers, gives, and never gives up. That is true glory.

We know that this is not the kind of glory, we and the world run after. The world would say, “Be strong, win, be admired.” But Jesus would say, “Be faithful, Love and carry your daily crosses.” And He doesn’t just say it but He lived it and through that, he was glorified.

Dear brothers and sisters as we meditate on this Gospel passage, in our homes, in our families, in our religious life and communities, this is the message Jesus gives us today: Love the cross and the pain that will lead us to glory.

In our families, there may have ample opportunities for these kinds of glorification. For a husband who continues to care for his wife even when she ignores him, does not care for him or even ridicules him. For a wife who prays for her husband when he forgets your needs, or not at all taking care of the family needs or even falls into drinking.  For parents, this glory is seen when they sacrifice sleep, time, and rest for their children, not even expecting anything in return, but out of love. This is how God is glorified in our houses, and we are glorified in the heart of God.

For a religious, glory is not in wearing the habit or holding titles. It is in serving the poor with humility, accepting corrections without bitterness, and carrying the community’s burdens with joy. It is when you give your heart to God every day, even when no one notices.

Think of Joseph in the Old Testament. He had power to crush his brothers who betrayed him. But he wept instead. He chose mercy over revenge. Think of Mary standing at the foot of the Cross. She said nothing. She did not stop the suffering. She just stayed, strong in love. Thus they glorified God in their lives and it was a means of glory for them too.

Our lives too must carry this glory, not by great actions, but by great love in small things. A smile given when the heart is heavy. A meal cooked without thanks. A prayer said in secret. A wound forgiven in silence.

Today, Jesus calls us to participate in His glory: not in our strength, but in our suffering and pain. So, dear friends, do not be afraid if you are suffering, tired, or unnoticed. If you are loving, even in pain, God is glorified in you, and you are glorified in his heart. That is the greatest glory.

Lord Jesus Christ Help us to find happiness in our daily suffering pain and lowliness . Amen

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God Bless…