20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Here is the passage in the Douay-Rheims Bible: “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth; and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour. If any man, therefore, shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto every good work.”
Here is what the Haydock Catholic Bible Commentary says on this verse: Ver. 20.
In a great house there are, &c.
Though St. Chrysostom by a great house, understands this world, and seems to think that in the Church there are none but precious
vessels of gold and of silver, yet this is only true of the perfect part of the Church, as it comprehends the elect only. The common exposition, by the
great house, understands the Catholic Church of Christ here upon earth, in which are mixed both vessels of gold and of earth, both good and bad; both the faithful that will be saved, and others that will be lost by not persevering in the faith and grace of Christ.
Every one’s endeavour must be to
cleanse himself from these, to depart from the ways of iniquity, by the assistances of those graces which God offers him, that so he may be
a vessel unto honour, not troubling himself about the mysteries and secrets of predestination, but believing and knowing for certain, that if he be not wanting on his part, he can never be lost: and therefore let him follow the admonition of St. Peter, 2 Peter i. 10. “Wherefore, brethren, labour the more, that by good works you may make sure your vocation and election: for doing these things, you shall not sin at any time.” (Witham)
