For 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.
Few people have been as aware as Saint Paul of our frail mortality. His metaphor of the human being as an earthen vessel is perfect. It is not just the body that is made of mud, it's the whole person. And yet we hold this treasure within us, the Word of God.
When we thought of the human being as composed of body and soul, we could suppose that the soul retains its intelligence, drive, and decisiveness -- its "will" -- even as the body deteriorates. We did not recognize the long term effects of the most common recreational drugs -- alcohol and nicotine -- on the body. We knew nothing of the powerful chemicals that are used today to alter the brain and its functioning.. Body and soul seemed to inhabit different realms. When the dying body collapsed the soul (or "mind") would leap free and soar like an eagle into eternity! Unless, of course, it was laden with sin in which case it would waddle like the dodo into misery and extinction.
I'm not sure how we imagine the freedom of death anymore, but we've all seen how the mind forgets its place within the aging body. Convictions are confused; places lose their geography; memories fade; and loved ones become strangers. As the brain and its chemistry deteriorate, so goes the mind.
Where medieval doctors believed the four humors -- sanguine (blood), choleric (yellow bile), melancholic (black bile), and phlegmatic (phlegm) -- mysteriously controlled personality, modern physicians attempt to control the personality with antidepressants, anti-anxiety medicines, and other chemicals. Given the right formula you could be a saint! We are, after all, just earthen vessels; and subject to the laws of chemistry. The treasure which we pass to others will endure but we must return to earth.
Saint Paul appreciated our earthy frailty because he was often imprisoned for his service to the Church; and, even more often, severely beaten. Once his enemies left him for dead and, for all we know, he was dead until his friends prayed over him. Surviving these torments, the Apostle found that the Spirit was still eager, joyous,and courageous despite his bruises, aches, and pains.
The Spirit which animated Saint Paul remains with us. God is spirit and lives forever. When we pray we breathe that Everlasting Life which endures as our bodies return to clay and our breath returns to the atmosphere.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.