“We Hold a Treasure”

This morning at Mass, I happened to look up after Communion to see Father purifying the sacred vessels, the chalice and ciborium, just used to hold the precious Body and Blood of the Lord. (As I type this, I am awed by the mere thought!)

(I am probably a bit more mindful of these things since I have the job of setting up for Mass and taking care of neccessities surrounding this.)

I pondered the history behind why these vessels are always made of highly valued metals. It does make sense, though, in light of their amazing purpose. They are made to hold the One whom even the highest heavens cannot contain (1 Kings 8:27).

As I reflected, I though, too, of the song “Earthen Vessels,” which draws from a passage from 2 Corinthians; it says that “we hold this treasure in earthen vessels.” Having just received Communion, we were holding Jesus within our bodies, physically. Despite our fragility and our sinfulness, we are given this privilege!

Through the reception of the Blessed Sacrament, and through God’s presence with us throughout our day, we truly do hold a Treasure! We can be deeply grateful for that in the midst of these trying times.