But to Thy name be the glory!

Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam.
[Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Thy name give the glory]

The first reading at Mass for today is from: ACTS 14:5-18. In the passage we read of what happened when Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra, after they heard of a plot to stone them, while they were in Iconium. One of the first things that Paul and Barnabas did upon reaching Lystra was to heal a crippled man who was “lame from birth” and “had never walked”. Upon observing all that had happened the people named Barnabas, Zeus and Paul, Hermes. The Chief priest of Zeus brought “Oxen and Garland” into the city and intended to offer sacrifice to them. Paul and Barnabas were horrified at this and according to the Scripture they: “tore their garments…and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, “Men, why are you doing this?  We are of the same nature as you, human beings.””

The Responsorial Psalm for today is taken from PS 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16: Not to us O Lord, Not to us, but to thy name be the glory! This psalm is my favorite and something that I try to always remember. Growing up at home in Kentucky, I had this psalm written on a dry erase board near me, so that when I woke up it was one of the first things I saw. It is just so rich with meaning and symbolism.

At Mass today, we hear it paired beautifully with the reading from ACTS. Paul and Barnabas recognize that homage is not due to them for the miracles and good works they do, but that it is due to He, through whom they have received the power and knowledge to do the good. Paul and Barnabbas say to the Lycaonians: “We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.” 

The reading passage closes with: “Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.” What “idols” in our own lives do we offer sacrifice to? Do we spend time devoting Sunday to the study of the faith and the Sabbath rest? What about praying daily?  I am currently reading “Magnetic Christianity” by Gus Lloyd, (A wonderful graduation gift from Mrs. Edwards in my parish back home. Thank-you for it!) In the book, Lloyd talks about the 11 attributes of a magnetic Christian. One of them is approachability. He poses the question of how do others see us? Do they see us as warm, receptive, inviting, individuals who are striving to draw them and others into a relationship with Christ? Point blank: When someone looks at you, do they so you? Or they seem Christ?

Our lives are meant to glorify God. St. Augustine said the famous quote: “Our Hearts are restless, until they rest in thee, O Lord!” Everything good (All of creation, since God created everything good) is meant to glorify God. We are called to live out our Christian lives in a way of virtue, love, and through it all, not glorify ourselves, but glorify him who gave us the graces to perform good works. Yesterday in the Gospel, Christ talks of how that which he has done, is not for his glorification, but for the glorification of the Father. His father. Our Father.

Let us pray today, that Our Lady Queen of Grace will release many graces upon us, that our lives may be for the glorification of her son. That our every action, breath, thought, word, and deed will give glory to God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

Not to us O Lord, not to us. But to Thy name be the glory!

+In His Mercy,

Corey

The following video is from the classic movie Henry V. The scene has a beautiful rendition of Psalm 115 being sung. Enjoy!

Update: I fixed the Youtube Video Link above, so that it is the correct video. It kept wanting to pull another. Sorry!