Treasure in Earthen Vessels

"We hold this treasure in earthen vessels..." 2 Corinthians 4:7

Today is the Feast of Saint James the Apostle. He is a great example of an earthen vessel, brittle, imperfect, and the opposite of precious. Saint James saw the Lord, walked and talked with Him. He listened to His parables and had them explained. Yet he and his companions were clueless about what Jesus was teaching at first. 

In Matthew 20:20-28, Salome, the mother of James and John, went to Jesus to ask the infamous request, "Promise me that these sons of mine will sit, one at Your right hand and the other at Your left, in Your Kingdom." In reply Jesus said, "You do not know what You are asking. Can You drink of the cup I am to drink of?" They both rashly answered, "We can!" As a result, they all got a lesson on how anyone who aspires to greatness must serve the needs of all. 

The treasure in Saint James shone through after Jesus' ascension, when he proclaimed the Gospel across not only Israel but throughout the Roman Kingdom as well. For 40 years, he went around Spain to preach Jesus' way. He was the first of the Twelve to be martyred. His remains are now in the Shrine of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. 

Lord, may I not strive for earthly honor, but may I learn the hard lesson  of serving You through my brothers snd sisters here on earth. 

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