Thursday July 25, 2024

Nothing goes to waste when we give our flaws to God.

Good News Reflection for:

Feast of St. James, Apostle
July 25, 2024

Today’s Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I need to learn how to be humble as Your instrument among my brethren. Deliver me from my pride, and may my desire be always to bring another soul to You. Amen.

IMPROVE YOUR DAY!
Powerful Catholic prayers are available on our YouTube channel.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Ps 126:1bc-6
Matthew 20:20-28
bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072524.cfm
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
bible.usccb.org/podcasts/audio/daily-mass-reading-podcast-july-25-2024

Are you a cracked pot?

What is flawed in you? Think of yourself as a ceramic jar with cracks. God wants to do something awesome with your flaws! As we see in today’s first reading, we have within us a priceless gift to share. Although this treasure is stored in a cracked, earthen vessel, it’s priceless in the hands of God.

Our flaws are proof that God’s alive within us, because he nourishes the world through us with his water of life, despite our flaws. Let me share a story I found when I needed to learn this truth myself.

Once upon a time, there was a servant who fetched water for his master in two large pots, which he carried on the ends of a pole that lay across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it; the other was perfect. By the time the servant walked from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot had lost half of its water.

“I am ashamed,” said the cracked pot. “Why?” asked the water bearer. The pot answered, “I have been delivering only half my load. This crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do more work.”

The man felt compassion for the pot and said, “Today as we return to the master’s house, I want you to look at the beautiful flowers along the path.” So the cracked pot took notice of the many flowers along the way, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because again it had leaked out half its load.

The water bearer said, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path. Every day, you’ve been watering them. These flowers are grown to decorate my master’s table. Without your cracks, he would not have this beauty in his house.”

In the reading from 2nd Corinthians, hear the comforting words:

I am afflicted, but (with God’s help) I am not crushed.

I am full of doubts, but (with God’s help) I do not despair.

I am persecuted, but (with God’s help) never abandoned.

I am struck down, but (with God’s help) never destroyed.

To this we could add: I am cracked, but (with God’s help) not useless.

Nothing goes to waste when we give our flaws to God. Not our imperfections, not our mistakes, not our weaknesses, nor our regrets. It all depends on how willing we are to let God transform our flaws into flowers — “so that the grace given in abundance may bring greater glory to God.”

If you don’t like yourself, ask God to show you the flowers you’ve helped him to grow!

Reflect more about this with our video: “Do you know how much your Father loves you?” @ https://gnm-media.org/do-you-know-how-much-the-father-loves-you/.

© by Terry A. Modica, Good News Ministries

Access more in our new Calendar of Reflections.

 To distribute the Good News Reflections in your church bulletin or in RCIA or faith sharing groups, please contact us.

 You can also receive this & more faith-builders by text message on your phone.

 Keep it going! This reflection reached you thanks to benefactors. Please support this ministry today.

 Post your prayer request.

 How else can we serve you today? Visit our homepage.

Search more reflections in our continually growing database.

Homebound, Prison & Hospital Ministers are invited to print and distribute them without further permission.

Continue your prayer time with these:
Pray with Saints | Pray the Rosary | Other Prayers | Random Quotes.

Order and share Terry Modica's books

Socialize with us at:
        

Please share this with others by inviting them to visit this page. You may also print this for your personal use and you may share the print-out with others.