FRIDAY, TWENTY EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Eph 1: 11-14; Ps 33: 1-2, 4-5, 12-13; Lk 12: 1-7
LAUDEM GLORIAE
Laudem Gloriae, “to the praise of His glory.” This striking phrase echoes twice in today’s first reading, where St. Paul reminds us that we are chosen, redeemed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit so that our very lives may become a hymn of praise to God. We exist not to glorify ourselves but to reflect His glory. This expression held a special place in the heart of a French Carmelite mystic, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. She longed to become Laudem Gloriae, a living praise of God’s glory. For her, it was not achieved through extraordinary works or public recognition, but through silent fidelity, loving surrender, and allowing Christ to dwell so deeply within her that every thought, word, and deed became a song of praise. Reflecting on this mystery, she exclaimed, “To be a praise of glory one must be dead to all that is not Him, so as to be moved only by His touch.”
Our world is increasingly driven by visibility. Social media counts followers, workplaces celebrate achievements, and even charity can become an opportunity for self-promotion. Yet Christians are called to a different measure of greatness. Our worth is determined not by how many people notice us, but by how faithfully we reflect Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus warns us against the “leaven of the Pharisees,” which is hypocrisy, pretending to be good to gain people’s praise.
But how do we become Laudem Gloriae today? We become God’s praise when we forgive instead of retaliating, serve without seeking applause, pray when no one notices, and remain faithful even when our efforts go unseen. Holiness is often hidden. The most beautiful hymn to God is not always sung from a stage; sometimes it is whispered in the ordinary faithfulness of everyday life. When we rest in the truth that God holds us close, we stop seeking others’ approval. We no longer feel the need to prove ourselves. Knowing we are deeply loved by God sets us free, and that is where true praise begins. May our lives, hidden or celebrated, joyful or burdened, become a quiet but unmistakable hymn, Laudem Gloriae.
Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
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