Summary: Fr. Gabriel considers the two metaphors in the Epistle text for the week (separate from the text for the Dedication of the Church of the Resurrection) from II Corinthians 4. The first metaphor is the famous one about clay jars holding precious treasure, as was true in that era when people kept their gold or silver in humble clay jars. We explore the potential meanings of this text and then move on to consider the next verses in which Paul switches to a military metaphor of preparation for battle and suffering. The two metaphors are tied together by considering our evanescent nature. We are humble and inadequate vessels to bear the Gospel, yet we can bear the cross and resurrection of Christ to others "in our bodies".
