Today’s first reading is one of my favorite passages from St. Paul: “We hold this treasure in earthen vessels” (2 Cor 4:7). It points out one of the great paradoxes of this life of discipleship: it leads to glory, but entails suffering along the way. What is this treasure? Continue reading
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. (2 Cor 7; NAB)
I have a friend who “throws” clay pots. She swears that sometimes as the clay is spinning and she lovingly tries to give shape to the clay – the clay begins to fight back and seek a shape other than what she intends. I suspect that God sometimes has that same reaction with us.
My friend adapts and will work with whatever notion the clay seems to intend, be it a good idea or no. I suspect God is the same way; the potter never abandons us, never gives up trying to shape us to the fullness of what He intends for us.
Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God (2 Cor 15).
friarmusings 