But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
 
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
 
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
   (2 Corinthians 4:7-18 NIV)

     Think for a moment about the simple pot or jar made of clay. It is nothing more than some mud and water shaped into a simple form to hold something and then baked usually at high temperature. You can plant flowers, trees, grasses, or just about anything in a clay pot. Fill the pot with some dirt, plant a seed or seedling, add water, and let the sun shine on it and whatever germinates will grow. The clay pot can also be used to store liquids or dry goods depending on the finish put on the pot prior to final firing.
 
     However, if you don't use the pot for something like growing plants or holding and organizing something, is it worth much? Yes it has intrinsic worth. You could always sell or give the pot to someone else to use. But it would be more valuable if it were used for its intended purpose. The key word here is use. It should be used to have its true potential realized.
 
     Every year, the Christian Motorcyclist Association uses a theme to propel their ministry into the secular motorcycling world. One year, the theme was "Jars of Clay". Christians are like jars of clay filled with the Holy Spirit and the good news of Christ's resurrection being the salvation to the world. Our charge was to take this good news within, carry the good news that is naturally a part of our being, to those who are in need of help. We should share the promise of Jesus' return, lend a hand to help someone get up out of the gutter, bandage a wound, share some food or just listen and be a friend to someone in need.

Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your spirit to fill my jar of clay with your good news. Help me to carry this good news to others as a natural part of who I am, as you intended. May others not look at me for what I am on the outside, but may they know me for who I am on the inside. For I pray in Jesus name, Amen

Contributed by Richard
Sunday February 15, 2009
Liturgical Year B Week 12
Sunday Gospel Readings:
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany