Are you ready to be transformed?

 

As I was watching the priest prepare the vessels at the altar by distributing the bread and pouring the wine in the vessels before the consecration, I had a thought.

I asked God to allow me to be prepared in a similar way . . .

The vessels were sitting their empty, ready to receive the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. All they could do at that moment was wait to be filled. The ciborium (which receives the consecrated hosts) and the cups (which hold the Precious Blood) make no contribution in and of themselves.

We, too, are like vessels to be filled, but we are actually transformed when we receive Jesus. And, we, too, do not make the transformation happen. It is all dependent upon the Holy Spirit.

But there are two more points to consider:

First, unlike the precious metal or wood vessels waiting to be filled, we should come to the altar ready. In anticipation of receiving Jesus, our hearts and minds should be open, ready to receive him, by prayer, fasting and focus.

Furthermore, once our bodily "vessel" is filled and transformed, we move from being in a fixed state to being engaged with the world around us. In fact, we have a responsibility to carry the love of Jesus we just received, to others.

We can do that in many ways, depending on our state in life. Maybe it is by praying for others, or teaching, or corporal works of mercy. Regardless of how God calls us, we must respond, as he has transformed us for the work he wants us to do by the love he has poured out on us.

And remember, it's not that our earthly vessels have to be perfect to receive Jesus and do his work, but it is by receiving him that we are made holy, i.e., perfect.

Below I am sharing a great little video that I hope you will enjoy. In honor of the Fourth of July, this great reflection by a former military chaplain in the Air Force, reminds us of what makes America great. 

Here is the direct link in case the video doesn't come through:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D0BIJcg7vA&t=7s 

Pray for peace, joy, and an end to war.

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

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