We too are glorified

Looking up, looking around, Jesus has quite a lot to say during the Last Supper of John’s Gospel. Almost at the end he says, “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.” (NAB Jn 17:22-23).
These words offer us much in the way of understanding and encouragement in this month that holds both the Ascension and Pentecost.
It almost makes you giddy to think about it – Jesus died, was raised, and remained with his followers for weeks. No wonder these words give us understanding and encouragement; that’s exactly what Jesus did for us, even after his death and resurrection. Jesus said in plain language, the Father is in Him, and He, Jesus, is in his followers. That’s us, you and me.
I try to imagine what was going on in Jesus’ heart and mind in those days and weeks before he ascended to his Father. He was with us, whom he loved completely. He was with the Father, because he is always with the Father. And yet he looked forward to his homecoming.
Imagine any person who is scheduled to go home after a long absence. The time away was spent with loved ones, but the time grows long with longing to be with the beloved. What a reunion!
And at the exact same time, Jesus doesn’t leave. The body of Jesus ascends. The Body of Christ remains. We too are glorified, so that we may be one.
The implications are stunning, and they would be beyond our capability, except for the last part of the quote. We are loved. Jesus could go because he has us to be his presence in the world. We are his presence, his hands, his voice, his compassion, his body and blood. We, too, are to be drawn to God, through our neighbor, in whom Christ lives.
It’s our ministry; it’s what we are born for.