Thine is the Power and the Glory
This profound sermon by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflects on the true meaning of Christ’s power, as we chant during Holy Week: “Thine is the power, the glory, the blessing, and the majesty forever, Amen.” His Holiness explains that Christ’s real power is not shown in physical force or domination, but in spiritual strength, humility, endurance, and love.
Main Points:
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Power in Creation:
Christ is the Word of God, through whom all things were made; without Him, nothing came to be. This is the supreme creative power of God. -
Power in Incarnation and Self-Emptying:
The greatest strength is not domination but humility. Christ, to whom angels bow, emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and was born in a manger. This shows deep inner strength beyond pride. -
Power of Endurance:
The Lord endured insults, accusations, scourging, and spitting without returning evil for evil. His power was shown in patience and forgiveness, not revenge. -
Power of the Cross:
On the Cross, Christ was not weak but at His strongest — the power of sacrificial love and forgiveness, praying for His crucifiers and excusing them in mercy. -
Power of Resurrection and Ascension:
He revealed divine strength in His resurrection, defeating death and rising from the tomb, then ascending above all natural law as His glorified body transcended the earth. -
Power of the Word and Miracles:
His words carried life and strength — a single word raised the dead and healed the sick, for His word is the same Word of creation. -
Power of Forgiveness and Shepherding:
After the resurrection, He forgave Peter who denied Him, endured Thomas’s doubt, and embraced the weakness of His disciples. His power was in love and pastoral care. -
Power in Eternal Glory:
Christ seated at the right hand of the Father is the mighty God to whom belong power and glory forever, and the Church praises Him confidently as her strong and loving Lord.
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