As if, he says (Isa. lxvi, 20), the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord; we read in the Apostle that in a great house are found not only vessels of silver or of gold, but also of wood and of clay (2 Tim. ii, 20). Which, in that very diversity of ranks, can all be of use, even though they are not equal in dignity. Every difference has need of brightness. In vessels of clay, provided cleanness be not lacking, an offering can be presented to the divine house, if a vessel fashioned from the same lump, because by sinning it had fallen into dishonor, may by repenting return to honor. For we have this treasure in vessels of clay (2 Cor. iv, 7). Let these vessels, then, as I have said, hold the compunction of the penitent.
Further, let the wooden ones display the lawful simplicity of the married; let the golden ones grow red with the blood of the martyr; let the silver ones shine through with the ray of virginity. The capacity of such vessels is that we are enriched with a rational nature. Into these let each one now provide from his own what he may offer: according to the quality of the gifts is the preciousness of the vessels. Into such vessels, I believe, Elisha once (2 Kings iv) poured the liquid of the living oil, which, as it flowed abundantly, did not flow out until they were filled.