But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.
One man has remarked, “The good news about the Catholic Church is: it’s like a big family. The bad news about the Catholic Church is: it’s like a big family.” St. Paul knew this and, with a wry smile, saw the Providence of God at work in Christ’s curious habit of entrusting the riches of his gospel to people like us. For the more earthen the vessel, the more obvious it becomes that the treasure within is not something the vessel can take credit for. Don’t forget to praise God for the riches of his glory that he has placed in you today.
Mark P. Shea is a popular Catholic writer and speaker. The author of numerous books, his most recent work is The Work of Mercy (Servant) and The Heart of Catholic Prayer (Our Sunday Visitor). Mark contributes numerous articles to many magazines, including his popular column “Connecting the Dots” for the National Catholic Register. Mark is known nationally for his one minute “Words of Encouragement” on Catholic radio. He also maintains the Catholic and Enjoying It blog and regularly blogs for National Catholic Register. He lives in Washington state with his wife, Janet, and their four sons.
