The potter and the clay

The Sisters of Charity, in Nazareth, Ky, have a long and fruitful history in central Kentucky, and the surrounding area.  They have been primarily teachers, but have served in a variety of ministries which have served the needs of men and women, in an region known for its poverty.  One of my favorite stories about this group is from the civil war.  During this time the Sisters provided medical care and respite to both, the northern and southern soldiers.  The color of their uniforms was the least important aspect of providing care.

This action put the Sisters at great risk, from both sides of the fighting.  But they believed they had a higher calling.  Jeremiah today is offered the image of the potter.  When the clay vessel did not turn out quite well, the potter reformed the clay and started over again.  Of course for us the image is that we are the clay in the hands of our God the potter.  When we can accept that and recognize that fact, we not only are able to take on the form that God wants from us, but are then filled with every good thing.

The people of Jeremiah's time had come to see their religion as a social entity.  Like membership in a country-club, or some prestigious group,  religion had become a 'meet and greet' experience.  And most distressing was that there was nothing about faith contained herein.  Jeremiah is sent to reintroduce peoples to the word of God.

Once in a while we meet people, like these Sisters, who can appreciate that they are formed by the hands of God.  Their work, ministry, praise, and thanksgiving are done so on the foundation of a loving and merciful God.  Last weekend I was with a group of Marriage Encounter families, at a camping weekend.  In family life they appreciate the image of starting over, never giving up, and reforming the vessel.  Just as God does with us, they have witnessed this re-formation in family life.

So we allow ourselves to be the clay in the hands of God.  When we become hardened, or pick up too much debris from around us, we cannot take on His image and likeness.  So we are to be workable and open to the molding of God.  He is the potter we are the clay.