But 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. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NABRE)
Just like Saint Paul and his companions, our sharing of and witness to our faith is like a light that we hold within these frail human bodies of ours. This light is like a candle in a small terracotta lamp.* I am reminded of the Holy Spirit of God living in me who is the source of this spiritual light and who is the real treasure.
Though we bear witness to Christ, we are not immune to the afflictions of this life. When we join our afflictions spiritually, through prayer, to the suffering of Christ, Paul reminds us that we also have a share in Jesus' resurrection.*
Today, I will not be constrained, I will not submit to feelings of despair or abandonment, I will not be destroyed by suffering, sadness, or pain; rather I will offer my afflictions, confusion, persecutions and suffering for the sake of those in need, joining with Christ crucified in such moments.
Saint James, Apostle called by Jesus to be a witness to him, pray for us.
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