Gloria mundi

You might have heard the Latin saying, “Sic transit gloria mundi,” “So passes the glory of the world.” These words were used in the 15th century and for the following 500 years at the coronation of the pope, who was reminded, as he assumed office, that all earthly glory passes.

We see around us the truth of this saying in institutions that fail, civilizations and cultures that decline, even in our own aging and health. Setbacks and failures accompany us on the road of life.

The glory of God that the Scriptures talk about, that resurrection spirit, is something that Jesus asks us to get in touch with in our own life–that Spirit of God that is within us, that lifts us up in trying times, that rejoices with us in our triumphs and joys, that is with us no matter where we go or what we do.

We pray today that the Spirit of the risen Jesus be our comfort and strength and inspiration, as we strive to live out our vocation to be fruitful members of God’s people, to bask in the glory of God, and to share that glory wherever we can.

“May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe…” (Ephesians 1:18-20)