"Whatever you do — you should do all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). The prophet Ezekiel's entire life was centered around the glory of God. He received the call to prophesy amid a vision of God's glory (Ez 2:1ff). He was deeply distressed when the glory of God left the temple because of the rebellion of the people of Judah (Ez 10:23). He dedicated his life to obeying God in hopes of the glory of God returning to the temple. Ezekiel humbled himself for this cause, enduring ridicule, the death of his wife (Ez 24:16), a period of muteness (Ez 3:26; 24:27), forced exile, and other sufferings in a life of obedient prophecy. Finally, Ezekiel rejoiced to see the glory of the Lord return to the temple (Ez 43:4).

To enable God to be glorified in our lives, we must empty ourselves (see Phil 2:7). To see God be glorified, we must humble ourselves (Mt 23:12). With John the Baptizer, we say: "He must increase, while I must decrease" (Jn 3:30). Otherwise, we exalt ourselves and we "will not see" the glory of God (Mt 23:39). Ultimately, God will get the glory — because of you or despite you. "Do all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). Say with Moses: "Do let me see Your glory" (Ex 33:18).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, February 17, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 25, 1998