Earthen vessels

“We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.” (2 Cor 4: 7)

One of our famous Christmas carols presents this paradox: God—is born, the Powers—tremble, the Lord of Heaven—stripped, fire—solidifies, brightness—darkens and the infinite—has boundaries. God gave His “treasure in earthen vessels,” because He shows His power through simple things. Instead of the nobles, He chose fishermen, and a simple house in Nazareth instead of a royal palace. We were chosen by His love, not because we earned it.

“I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord” (Gospel Antiphon)