THE GREAT POTTER

By: Gloria Lucy Fernandez Canque (Chiriqui, Panama)

Jeremiah 18:1-6 (NRSV) The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.Then the word of the LORD came to me: Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the LORD. Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.- Isaiah 64:8 (NRSV)

IN our ceramics class, we worked on various flowerpot and planter designs. While one of my companions was putting the finishing touches on a beautiful flowerpot, a sudden movement caused it to break in her hands. The instructor told her it could not be used. She was given fresh clay to start on another project. As I worked on my project, I thought how much we are like clay in the hands of the Lord. When we accept the Lord, the Lord guides us and, like a potter, gives shape to our lives. But unlike the pot my friend made, when events in our lives break us, that is not the end. Jesus Christ takes the shattered pieces and remakes our lives. Though we cannot accomplish it ourselves, the Lord can transform us into a new creation.

Prayer: Merciful Lord, take us in your hands; mold and transform us. Make us a new creation as we pray, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."* Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:When we allow the Lord's transforming power to work within us, we are continually being made new. --