First reading 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us
We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never deserted; knocked down, but never killed; always, wherever we may be, we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too, may always be seen in our body. Indeed, while we are still alive, we are consigned to our death every day, for the sake of Jesus, so that in our mortal flesh the life of Jesus, too, may be openly shown. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
But as we have the same spirit of faith that is mentioned in scripture – I believed, and therefore I spoke – we too believe and therefore we too speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus to life will raise us with Jesus in our turn, and put us by his side and you with us. You see, all this is for your benefit, so that the more grace is multiplied among people, the more thanksgiving there will be, to the glory of God.
Responsorial Psalm 115(116):10-11,15-18
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
I trusted, even when I said:
‘I am sorely afflicted,’
and when I said in my alarm:
‘No man can be trusted.’
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
O precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the Lord’s name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfil
before all his people.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
Gospel Matthew 5:27-32
If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.
‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.’
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Treasure in common earthenware jars
“We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair…” (1st reading). We are earthenware jars- common, temporary, unimportant and fragile. Yet within us, we hold the precious treasure of Jesus, the Word of God. We are merely instruments for carrying and revealing God’s presence and power. The comforting truth is that because we contain this treasure, we will not despair, feel abandoned or knocked down by life’s challenges. Our strength comes from God’s presence in us, so let us place our trust in Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the importance of fidelity to our commitments, especially in marriages and family relationships. This is not easy, as many societal influences, such as social media, popularity and money, can lead us away from being loving and faithful. Jesus calls us to allow Him to be the treasure within our earthenware jars. With His power in us, He can help us build true and respectful relationships with those around us.
Reflective question:
How can I learn to depend on God’s grace rather than my own strength in daily life?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
