Jars of Clay
“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” — 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Please take a tiny clay jar token with you today during church or when you are on campus next week. We will display a large clay jar during the season of Lent and encourage you to bring in ingredients of the good life, an offering during this season of prayer, renewal, and special devotion. Think a family photo, a favorite rock, a tuft of a pet’s hair, a baby’s shoe, a prayer, a poem or a lyric from your favorite song.
These clay jars were made for you with love by the staff of St. John’s with the help of Patti Boyd and Becky Strout in Becky’s pottery study. Becky crafted the clay jar in St. John’s Church and the bowl on St. John’s Chapel.
“Inside this Clay Jar” Kabir
During the season of Lent we will say the poem responsively. Kabir was one of India’s most beloved and radical poets—a 15th Century mystic whose verses cut through diversions and aimed straight for the heart of God.
Inside this clay jar
there are canyons and pine mountains,
and the maker of canyons
and pine mountains!
All seven oceans are inside,
and hundreds of millions of stars.
The acid that tests gold is here,
and the one who judges jewels.
And the music
that comes from the strings
that no one touches,
and the source of all water.
If you want the truth, I will tell you the truth:
Friend, listen: the God whom I love is inside.
