An Earthen Vessel

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

As we keep the feast of St. James the Apostle, we listen to the words of St. Paul from his second Letter to the Corinthians. This passage has to be dear to the heart of every member of CUSA:

We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (2 Corinthians 4: 7-11)

Once again, the writings and the thought of St. Paul demonstrates so much of what we CUSANS believe about our call to bear the cross of chronic illness and/or disability. Once again, St. Paul reminds us that God uses us to demonstrate his power. Once again, he reminds us that our affliction does not constrain, perplex, or drive to despair those who believe. We carry within us, according to St. Paul, the dying of Christ. It is our bond of affinity. We are blessed indeed. We manifest the life that Christ has won on the cross.

Happy Feast Day!