Earthen Vessels

From today's readings, 2 Corinthians 4:5-7

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.

I've always loved the image of us mere mortals—the "earthen vessels"—carrying the greatest wealth possible. This passage also strikes me, though, because it speaks of the contradictions that are inherent in life, and in faith. Being human means that we are fragile and mortal, and that we struggle. But we are not alone, and we carry on. The letter goes on to describe the way the living carry out Jesus' promise of eternal life. Paul expresses the contradiction as such:

We who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Forgive me, but that's depressing. I get it, but I rather prefer this idea:

Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed, therefore I spoke," we too believe and therefore speak .... Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

It's inspiring to envision the members of the early Church spreading this message far and wide, to provide hope and comfort to those in need, causing "thanksgiving to overflow."

Readings like this one might seem to support an unwelcome notion—that happiness in mortal life is irrelevant, because we are meant to look only toward the life beyond this one. But I realize it's not an either/or scenario. Sharing faith, hope and love with our friends and family is sharing the promise of eternal life, yes; but it is also making the life we live now less lonely, more hopeful and more joyful.