FEAST OF ST. JAMES, APOSTLE
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. (2 Cor 4:7)
This treasure St. Paul speaks of is God's glory, the message of Jesus Christ that we hold in our hearts.
While our existence some days may seem far from glorious, St. Paul tells us that despite our suffering and ultimately our death to self, we have great life within us. We might be persecuted or knocked down in this life, but we are not abandoned or destroyed. While human and fragile, these earthen vessels are the instruments God uses to carry His light to the world.
When we connect our suffering with Christ's, He never allows the negative to prevail completely. In the trials of life, Christ rescues us and offers us a share in His resurrection.
So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. (2 Cor 4:12-14)
Our faith is what gives us new life. We need not be discouraged by the setbacks we encounter, all things are ordered towards God, towards the eternal. His presence is with us and gives us the grace to be renewed each day to love Him more fully.
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 4:15)
Even when we do not feel His presence or His grace, it is with us. May our faith guide us to see the eternal and be renewed each day by His grace. As today's Psalm proclaims, "Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing." (Psalm 126:5)