Earthen Vessels (We hold a treasure, not made of gold) - Foley

This hymn is about incarnation and humility.

It was written by American Roman Catholic priest , liturgist, composer and member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) John Foley SJ (b 1939).   The words are based on 2 Corinthian 4: 6-7 1 Corinthian 1: 27-29.

The hymn was originally published in 1975, by North American Liturgy Resources, as the title track of an album by the St Louis Jesuits.   Since then, it has been included on several other albums by Foley, and covered by John-Michael Talbot.

Hymn-books which it has been published in include:

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Foley. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of A, the first few notes are A AA B_ A_  EE F E_ with accompanying chords A / E / A / E / Esus2 / A.   Some publications indicate that the verses should be played slightly faster than the chorus.


The holy family eating a meal together - humility personified.


Downloads

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Examples

Original recording, small group with guitar-led band:


Small group and congregation with guitar, recorded live:


Solo singer, accompanied on ... dulcimer?:


Original recording, with on-screen lyrics:


Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:
Chorus:
We hold a treasure, not made of gold,
In earthen vessels, wealth untold,
One treasure only: the Lord, the Christ,
In earthen vessels.

1. Light has shone in our darkness ...

2. He has chosen the lowly ...

See more ...

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
We hold a treasure, not made of gold, In earthen vessels, wealth untold, One treasure only: the Lord, the Christ, In earthen vessels. 1. Light has shone in our darkness: God has shown in our heart, With the light of the glory of Jesus, the Lord. 2. He has chosen the lowly, who are small in this world; In his weakness is glory, in Jesus the Lord.

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