"Brothers and Sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels."
These are the words of Saint Paul in his second Letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 4:7) and were the first words of the First Reading today at Mass.
"Earthen vessels..."
Sometimes, I think we expect too much of the "earthen vessels" around us. Too often, we expect more than frail humanity can give. We are human. We sin and we fail constantly. So much so that sanctity should be what surprises, not sin.
"We hold this treasure in earthen vessels."
Yet, despite our sinfulness, God wills that we -- frail and fallen men and women -- are to be the ones that hold the treasure of His truth and proclaim that truth to the nations.
Why would God will that "earthen vessels" would hold such "treasure"? Saint Paul immediately gives us the answer: "[so] that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us." (2 Cor 4:7). In other words, the wonders of Christ steadfastly proclaimed by fallen men and women throughout the ages, despite their individual frailty, is a profound testament to the Truth.
Yes, we hold the treasure in earthen vessels, but by the grace of God, we are able to proclaim that Truth and pass that Truth to others. Despite our imperfections, despite our frailties, despite our flaws . . . "we are ambassadors for Christ." (2 Cor 4:20) (emphasis mine).
Praise God!!
These are the words of Saint Paul in his second Letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 4:7) and were the first words of the First Reading today at Mass.
"Earthen vessels..."
Sometimes, I think we expect too much of the "earthen vessels" around us. Too often, we expect more than frail humanity can give. We are human. We sin and we fail constantly. So much so that sanctity should be what surprises, not sin.
"We hold this treasure in earthen vessels."
Yet, despite our sinfulness, God wills that we -- frail and fallen men and women -- are to be the ones that hold the treasure of His truth and proclaim that truth to the nations.
Why would God will that "earthen vessels" would hold such "treasure"? Saint Paul immediately gives us the answer: "[so] that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us." (2 Cor 4:7). In other words, the wonders of Christ steadfastly proclaimed by fallen men and women throughout the ages, despite their individual frailty, is a profound testament to the Truth.
Yes, we hold the treasure in earthen vessels, but by the grace of God, we are able to proclaim that Truth and pass that Truth to others. Despite our imperfections, despite our frailties, despite our flaws . . . "we are ambassadors for Christ." (2 Cor 4:20) (emphasis mine).
Praise God!!
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