In the first reading, Paul is making a farewell discourse to the elders from Ephesus. He is reminding them of the pattern of his apostolic work. The frantic pace of his travels as compelled by the Holy Spirit; the sorrows and trials that befell him through the plots of the Jews.

And now, the Holy Spirit is making it clear to him, in town after town, that imprisonment and persecution await him in Jerusalem. Paul is accepting the foreseen suffering.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus, too, is facing a parting from His apostles. And like Paul, He is also facing enormous trouble. He begins this prayer on a solemn note. He says, "The hour has come." This hour is the biggest challenge of His life, and it is just about to begin. It will be His greatest humiliation with excruciating suffering, His hour of greatest abandonment, the hour of doubt about His mission.

In human terms, it will be Jesus' very lowest moment, but seen with eyes of faith, something beautiful will manifest. 'Glory' means manifestation. And God's glory is the Father's love for the Son and us, and Jesus' love for His Father and us. What is hidden will manifest: what looks like disaster will be a real success.