Vessels of Love

As I was in adoration today, praying my rosary, my mind began to reflect upon Mary, God's vessel for the first coming of His son, Jesus. I thought about how, as God's perfectly-clean instrument, Mary encompasses both perfection like Christ, and yet, humanity like us. She gave herself to God from the start, and was perfectly equipped to do so, for God erased the stain of original sin from her upon her conception (an idea quite relevant for today on the Holy Day of Obligation for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception).

These ideas of humanity and perfection and devotion to Christ conjured up an image in my mind that thoroughly exemplifies what our role on Earth encompasses; we are all vases, handcrafted uniquely by the Father. Every vase is shaped differently, even made out of different materials. Some are tall and slim, others are shorter. And yet, they all have the same function: to be filled. To be filled with flowers. To be filled with water. To be filled with that which their owner destines for them.

But we know from everyday life that accidents (or sometimes, choices) happen, and destruction sets in upon these vases. Dust might collect across its walls from lack of use. Cracks might ensue from collisions. Sometimes, the vase might even shatter completely. Unfortunately, the evils of the world penetrate these beautiful vessels, and they are no longer able to properly perform their functions, are no longer able to be filled with lovely things.

Every human being that enters the world is a new vase in a sea of God's vessels. We are all made and crafted by the Creator, and we are all healed by Him who made us. Mary, too, is a vase, but a special one, crafted without dust or dirt or chips or breaks. She is spotless. Evil cannot touch her, because her Maker sealed upon her surface a protective shield. She was so perfect, not even death could penetrate through her covering (she was, after all, assumed body AND soul into Heaven). She was truly able to accept all God gave her, and her life overflowed with grace.

Our vases, while not unblemished, are still priceless, because they were given to us directly by God. And God, who loves us beyond all measure, wants to give us everything He can, everything He gave Mary. But in order to accept all this grace, we must gird ourselves by protecting our vase. If we are cracked, dusty, or even shattered, how much can we really hold? Certainly not an overflowing amount.

That is why God, the ultimate Healer, offers his skillful hands our way, inviting us back into His workshop, a place where He can mend our vases fully. This place of healing can be found in Confession and in Holy Eucharist in entirety, and even in prayer and Adoration can we begin to enter the door to His workplace. Truly, He knows our frailty better than any doctor on Earth, and can put every single piece of shattered glass back together, if only we open ourselves up, and make ourselves vulnerable to His masterworks.

On this day, we strive to become more like our mother, Mary. Let us then fully entrust ourselves to God, opening up our souls to Him, and allow him to recreate a more spotless, shimmering, and spectacular vessel. Only then can we begin to truly be filled with His blessings, and overflow with true grace in abundance!

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee.

Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners

Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.