21 May 2015 - that we may be one

And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.

Jesus gives us his glory by giving us himself. He comes to live within us. He receives his glory from the Father from whom he receives all that he is. The more we let Jesus fill all that we are the more his glory is revealed in us. That is why Paul wants his readers to know, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (cf. Col. 1:28). As he comes to dwell in our hearts we share all things with him (cf. Joh. 17:10). We become God's own righteousness in him (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21).

The union we have is not simply a repairman staying in our house to fix it up. It is a spousal union. It is love consummated. It is not something which can be perfected in isolation. Love is only real in relationship. Jesus wants all to have amazing relationships, not just with him, but also with one another. This is how his glory is revealed. In fact it is the only way that we may see the glory that the Father gives Jesus. It is only visible in the perfected relationships that the love of the Father makes possible. If we look anywhere else we miss it entirely. This is why we need Jesus to make the Father known. We need him to reveal the love with which the Father loved him until we understand that this love is the deepest truth of reality.

This love is revealed to be a truth even deeper than the half-realities of sin and death by the resurrection of Jesus. The union this love makes possible is a union also of truth and of goodness. No lies or evil can truly be joined to it. In that sense, it can seem divisive on an earthly level. But it is the only true basis for union and peace that is more than a utilitarian or even mercenary agreement which dissolves when the benefit to one or both parties is gone. This is a love which does not let death have the last word. It is a love which is rooted in faith. It is a love which insists on the hope to which we are called. Let us be one with this love!

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.