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 Cor 4:7-15)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072525.cfm
Treasure in earthen vessels. Paul’s description of the challenges of ministry should be required reading in seminaries. The famous Camino is the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. https://youtu.be/rsrqkYQvpr4?si=TbwIXaJ5kBGNkpDB Every visit to Santiago reminds me that the Lord always gives us good companions to share the journey. https://youtu.be/IAZhIw49ULc?si=G0omGoPjEOACszTY
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Saint James, apostle, July 25
