This page was updated 02/01/2008 08:30 PM Click here for Men of Epiphany home page

Glorifying God through Our Prayer, Praise, and Worship

Sunday, April 2, 2006
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 51:3-4,12-15
Hebrews 5:7-9
John 12:20-33
Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. (John 12:23)

Every time we pray, whether corporately or individually, we glorify Jesus, the Son of Man. Together at Mass we sing his praises and we worship him at Communion. Likewise, in our personal prayer we glorify Jesus through the songs we sing, the psalms we pray, and the expressions of love that well up from our heart.

When we worship and praise God, we are not just tossing around empty words or soothing our psyche. We are actually engaging in conversation and communion with our Maker! Our prayer is not only delightful; it is powerful! When God hears our worship, anything is possible—even healings, miracles, forgiven sin, and changed lives.

Now the ruler of this world will be driven out. (John 12:31)

This is precisely why the devil cannot stand to hear us praise God! He knows that when we are actively worshipping and honoring Jesus, there is little room for his meddlesome temptations. When we proclaim Christ our crucified Savior, the devil is reminded of his defeat. He is reminded that he is ultimately powerless and that his devious plans will come to nothing for those who love and worship the Lord. He is reminded that we have freely submitted ourselves to God and not to him. Imagine: Every time we pray, the accuser of the brethren is cast out!

So today and every day, live in hope knowing that the devil cowers in fear. Take the advice of St. Padre Pio, who knew what it was like to be harassed by the devil: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Things may appear more complicated, especially when we are tempted to sin, but always remember: “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Though his face may seem hidden, his ears are always open and attentive!

“Jesus, you are my God and my all! I adore you, O Christ, and I praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading, the promise of the covenant gets closer and more personal, so close in fact, that it is not now merely a set of external rules and commandments. It is now written in our hearts. The promise is that we shall actually know the Lord in a personal and intimate way, not just know about him. Why is this now possible for us? What is the difference between a “knowing about” relationship with the Lord and a personal relationship of “knowing” and “experiencing” his great love? How would you characterize your relationship with the Lord? How can you deepen this relationship?
2. The responsorial Psalm is King David's great prayer of repentance after he had committed serious sin. How does David’s reaction, reflected in Psalm 51, compare to your reaction when faced with sin in your life?
3. In the second reading, we read that Jesus "learned obedience from what he suffered." What is your reaction to suffering in your life? In what ways has it caused you to grow closer to Jesus and deepened your faith and dependence on him? In what ways has it sometimes caused you to run or try to escape from it, or react in confusion or anger? What steps can be taken to minimize this latter reaction?
4. In the Gospel reading, Lent continues to focus with increasing clarity on Jesus' coming passion and death, the "hour" when redemption will be accomplished by his obedience to his Father and the shedding of his blood. Jesus says today: "whoever serves me must follow me." Share some examples from your life when obedience to God caused persecution or suffering, but yet you were able to see God work a mighty “good” in your or someone else’s life? How were you able to maintain an inner peace, knowing you were following Jesus and his will for you?
5. “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). The meditation says that we glorify God through prayer, worship, and praise. Share the ways you have tried to increase your prayer, worship, and praise of God during Lent. As Good Friday and Easter are fast approaching, are you able to do even more in these areas to bring glory to God?
6. Your "hour" this Lent may also be to respond to the call to work with Christ and the Church to build God's kingdom on earth. What steps have you taken during Lent that has allowed you to do this? What additional steps can you take in the remaining days of Lent?

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen