GOAT

2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5 (New Revised Standard Version)

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling— if indeed, when we have taken it off we will not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

Reflection

     Broken and flawed like every one of us, but as a vessel of the Holy Spirit proclaiming the complex mysteries of faith--Paul was the Greatest Of All Time. (Not the grazing animal.) This

passage is a good example and case for all those who would vote with me. Paul paints word pictures to help us to see into the invisible eternal. "Momentary affliction," "eternal weight of glory," "earthly tent," "further clothed," and "swallowed up by life" help us to peer into a reality that we can not yet fully know. Penned by the persecutor accused by the Resurrected One, and yet, put to work for purpose of giving words and integrity to the message of life for all.

Great brother Jesus, we cannot believe that you bring people like us into your family. We are thankful for the Sacred Pages that describe the almost indescribable and wonderfulness of your goodness. We thank you for you love and care for us and all our siblings. We lift before you those that are in need today... In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.