Holy Spirit of God, teach me the joy of being a cracked pot...

​Gospel Mystery of the Day              Thursday, June 29, 2023
                                                       
 Good Morning!      
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
 
2 Corinthians 4:1-10
Holy Spirit of God, teach me the joy of being a cracked pot...
 
Interestingly, scripture likens human beings to vessels of clay, of humus, of ‘soil’; we are not created from glass, plastic or metal, those products of mankind’s ingenuity and the extractive raping of the earth.  In today’s consumer world, a clay pot has minimal value, and when it is cracked it is thrown away.   That is not how the economy of our Creator works. As Artist of all arts, God fashions our lives, human and earthy as they are, with care making each of us vessels unique, whole and complete. Unfortunately, cracks do appear over time in clay pots and so in our lives. But when trials and traumas fragment or smash our bodies, minds and souls, God does not throw us in the trash, but rather invites us to find his Holy Spirit within us and by prayer and fasting, repentance and good works, to fan the flames of Holy LIfe to become a roaring fire of Might and Light. As it dries, clay becomes more fragile, and if dropped, a clay jar will crack at best, and break at worst, leaking or spilling its contents entirely.  Similarly, no matter how much I try to ‘keep it together’, when life events do not go according to plan, my soul leaks out by my demeanor, my words, and my deeds, and becomes visible to others in the world. If I am full of bitterness, resentment, fears and frustrations, that is what spills out of my life in troubled times. But as much as I take in the peace and liveliness of the Holy Spirit of God, no matter how difficult my life’s journey becomes, purity, faithfulness and love will spill out when I ‘crack’,  sending ripples of out and around into the world. Then I have the joy of revealing the Joy of the Holy Spirit of Life, Light and Love to others, both near and far.  When ‘life happens’ to me, will I spill out despair, despondency and darkness, or will I willingly allow my soul and spirit to reveal the Glory of God’s Mercy? Holy Spirit of God, teach me the joy of being a cracked pot.  
 
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow wto anger and abounding in steadfast love.  (Psalm 103)
 
Have your own way, Lord,
You are the potter, I am the clay,
Make me and mold me,
In your own way…
Adelaide Pollard
 
Listen to Canvas and Clay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puDttOmbq2Y  
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
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