Readings:
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Matthew 5:27-32
Reflection:
Among other themes, this letter from Paul explores reconciliation and the power of God in weakness and suffering. It follows a period of painful discord between Paul and the Corinthians.
According to Paul, we are merely earthenware vessels that hold a treasure, the overwhelming power of God. In Paul’s time, earthenware was essential for daily life, but it was porous and easily contaminated, leading to specific laws regarding usage and destruction.
And so, despite our limitations and because of the power of God, we earthen vessels have the same spirit of faith found in the scriptures, that helps us to deal with all sorts of adversity. We may be cornered, but we don’t despair, persecuted but are never abandoned, knocked down but we always get up.
Most of us will never have to deal with the tribulations experienced by the early Christians. Certainly some people within our orbit have, like American Passionist, Carl Schmidt in the Philippines and Australian Josephite, Irene McCormack in Peru, earthenware vessels shattered by bullets, their blood mingling with Christ’s for standing with Him in solidarity with the poor and the oppressed.
And there are many who, alive in Christ, work quietly with the needy and against injustice and in the pursuit of peace. For the rest of us, there’s a plethora of causes and injustices in our world, of which we may become actively concerned, lest we sink into some sort of comfortable, religious torpor.
Paul’s analogy to earthenware vessels seems to reflect Isaiah 64:8-12, “…. You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Being fashioned by the hand of God surely means that, despite our limitations, we can become vessels of His love, compassion and justice to heal a troubled world. As always, Christ’s hand is stretched out to us in invitation. As always, it’s up to us to take it.
Brian Norman has been associated with the Passionists in various ways since he was three weeks old when he squared off with Fr Placid Millay CP over the baptismal font at St Brigid’s, Marrickville.