Bishop Fulton J. Sheen masterfully uses the biblical image of the potter and the clay to illustrate the profound truth that our imperfect, fragile human nature is the chosen vessel for God's divine treasure. The essence of his message is one of profound hope: our weakness, ugliness, and failures are not obstacles to God, but rather the very material He works with. Sheen explains that God allows trials and tribulations in our lives—likening them to pouring wine from one vessel to another—not to punish us, but to purify us by separating the "dregs" and "lees" of our imperfections, making our souls richer and more pleasing to Him.
Sheen further develops this analogy by exploring what happens when the vessel is "spoiled in the potter's hands"—a powerful metaphor for human sin and failure. He reveals that God, unlike a human craftsman, does not discard the broken clay in frustration. Instead, the Divine Potter patiently picks up the failed vessel, reworks it on His wheel, and lovingly molds it into a new creation. While it may not be the grand "vase" originally intended, it becomes a beautiful and useful pot, still capable of holding His grace, demonstrating God's unwavering and redemptive love for us even in our brokenness.
The ultimate destiny of the "pot" is revealed through the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. After encountering Christ and recognizing Him as the source of "living water," she immediately "leaves her pot behind" to share the good news. This, Sheen explains, is a symbol of our own journey. At the moment of death, we will leave our earthly vessel—our body—behind, as our soul, the true treasure, goes to God. The pot is not forgotten, however, as Sheen concludes that on the last day, even our physical body will be glorified and transformed, perfectly reflecting the divine life it once contained.
