In today's first reading, 2 Corinthians 4: 7-15, St. Paul reminds us that we "hold [a] treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us...[that we are] carrying about in [our] body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body." St. Paul further reminds us that "the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us...in his presence."
Jesus says to you and to me:
Dorothy Ann (insert your name), you carry within you, as does everyone and all of creation, my dying and my rising. A dying is at work in you all of the time so that a resurrection to new life here on earth and eventually in heaven can take place. All of this is of God, a treasure from above planted within each person and every other living thing, plant and animal. Why? To give glory to each one's Creator God from whom and for whom each exists!
My response: Lord, may I honor and respect this reality. May I die to all that is not of You so as to rise to the fullness of life that You have promised us in Christ Jesus! May I, and every human being, die to sin--to selfishness, bigotry, misogyny, hatred, promiscuity, gluttonous attitudes, idolatry, abusive behaviors of any sort--and rise to holiness: to loving and serving others generously, compassionately and unselfishly, to sharing of this earth's goods and wealth so that all thrive and become the persons God intends them to be. May we enhance life for all, not destroy it! May we create unity, not promote divisiveness in Jesus' name. Amen!
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