The Glory you gave to me, I have given to them

On Saturday the Sixth Week of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle John (3:18-24) entitled "The commandment of faith and love". Our treasure, which follows, is from a homily on the Song of Songs by Saint Gregory of Nyssa, bishop. Saint Gregory of Nyssa was a fourth century archbishop of Constantinople and a theologian. He is numbered among the Doctors of the Church. He was a contemporary and close friend of Saint Basil the Great. He is widely considered the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. He was a classically trained orator and philosopher. The primary contribution of Saint Gregory of Nyssa to the teachings of the Catholic Church is his profound development of the spiritual and mystical understanding of the Christian life, especially the idea that the soul is called to an endless growth in God. He taught that union with God is not a static state but a continual journey deeper into divine life—a concept often described as eternal progress, grounded in the infinite nature of God. The Song of Songs (or Canticle of Canticles) is an exquisite collection of love lyrics, arranged to tell a dramatic tale of mutual desire and courtship. It presents an inspired portrayal of ideal human love, a resounding affirmation of the goodness of human sexuality that is applicable to the sacredness and the depth of married union. In today's treasure Saint Gregory of Nyssa's homily teaches that Christ shares His divine life and love with humanity so that believers may be united with God and with one another. Gregory explains that the "glory" Jesus gives is not earthly honor or power, but participation in God's holiness, love, and unity. Through Christ, Christians are gradually transformed into the likeness of God, especially through charity and communion with others. The homily emphasizes that true Christian perfection is found in becoming one in love, just as the Father and the Son are perfectly one. The main teaching of today's first reading is that genuine faith in Jesus Christ must be expressed through real, active love for others. Saint John teaches that love is not merely words or feelings, but concrete actions that reflect God's own love. When believers live this way, their hearts gain confidence before God, because they are striving to obey His two great commands: to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another. John also reminds Christians that the Holy Spirit dwelling within them is the sign of their union with God and strengthens them to live in faith, love, and obedience.