Fifth Sunday of Easter Gospel C

When Judas had left them, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and God will glorify him at once.

· Why does Jesus wait until the departure of Judas to betray him before Jesus speaks of his glorifying the Father? Could it be because the glory of God can't be seen in the darkness but only in the light of truth?

· What is the glorification that Jesus is referring to? His embracing of the will of the Father, even to the death of the cross. This is his glory and he does this, so that the Father may be glorified. As Jesus gave glory to the Father by doing his will even to the death on the cross for our salvation, the Father in turn glorified Jesus by raising him up from the dead and seated him at his right hand in heaven.

· What can we do to give glory to the Father?  Someone has said: "I am the glory of God." When we do the will of God in our lives, then we reflect the glory of God. 

· What has God promised us that in turn will bring us glory?

My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.

· Jesus is referring to his upcoming death as well as his return to the Father at the Ascension.

· What do you think the Apostles felt on hearing these words? What would have been your feelings?

 I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

· Why would Jesus make love at the heart of his relationship with us and our relationship with each other?

· Jesus literally gave his life so that we may have life. Does our love for others reflect Christ’s love for us?

· Is our love concrete and evident or is it theoretical and intentional?