Earthen Vessels

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For 25 July 2026, The Feast of Saint James, Apostle, based on 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, sent in from Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

Brothers and sisters, we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. 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.

So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.


Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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About Connie Koch OP

Sister Connie Koch OP is a Dominican Sister of Hope living in Mount Vernon, N.Y. She has taught special children with learning disabilities and served in parish ministry. Presently she is doing spiritual direction, directed retreats, and programs at The Center at Mariandale in Ossining, New York and is the Promoter of Preaching for the Dominican Sisters of Hope.