Treasure in Earthen Vessel

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week - Monday*

*Treasure in Earthen Vessel*

*GOSPEL - Matt 20:20-28*

*FIRST READING - 2 Cor 4:7-15*

*1) Imagery of Treasure in Earthen Vessel*

The First reading of the day speaks about this imagery

Its a beautiful imagery to reflect a deeper truth about our own life 

This imagery is closely linked to our life and also to the meaning of our life. 

*2) Two Realities*

There two realities found in this imagery.

First of all the Earthen vessel

Secondly the valuable treasure which in hidden in the Earthen vessel

Earthen vessel is very delicate, whereas the treasure which is found in it is more valuable and more enduring 

*3) Life, Earthen Vessel and the Treasure*

This imagery is directly linked to our life. 

There are two realities in our life. 

Material aspect of life, which is our Body

The Spiritual aspect of Life, which is equal to the soul, life and divine aspect found in Human being 

The material aspect is very delicate and does not last long 

The Spiritual aspect of Life lasts for ever, which can't be destroyed 

So material body is the Earthen vessel and the Soul is the treasure which is kept in this earthen vessel. 

*4) Treasure will be lost but can't be destroyed*

At times one can lose the  treasure because of various reasons. But the treasure can't be destroyed. 

The so called tressure of Holy life, the image and likeness of God, the good values, and the beautiful things of Life can be lost from the Earthen vessel of this material body 

But they are not destroyed. Good things can never be destroyed, but they are only separated from the bad things 

*5) Have I Lost my treasure?*

It depends on the way I live my life, I preserve my treasure

If the treasure is lost, one needs to work hard to find that treasure and to restore it in the Earthen vessel

So findjng a lost treasure, and restoring it in the earthen vessel is a continuous process and one needs to work for it 

*6) St James and Earthen Vessel with Treasure*

As we celebrate the feast of St James, his life is a perfect example for the above imagery. 

He protected the valuable treasure in the Earthen vessel, by giving his life 

He treasured the treasure through his blood and life 

*7) Alertness in my life*

The above imagery calls us to become alert in life, in protecting the Earthen vessel

Since earthen vessel is very delicate one needs to be very careful in protecting the earthen vessel and the treasure

Will I be ready??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*