In this week’s second reading (2 Cor 12:7-10) St. Paul tells us that a “thorn in the flesh was given to me,… to keep me from being too elated.” Other translations say proud or conceited. No one knows what St. Paul’s “thorn” was, but we know it is something that interfered with his relationship with God. Or he could have let it be. I am sure that we each have something like that in our lives. Something that we try to hide away. Paul tells us that this might not be the correct reaction.
I hope that we, myself included, can follow Paul’s example. Instead of pulling away from God, we should use that “thorn” as a way to draw closer to him. In our weakness we should trust God’s strength. I imagine this along the lines of the way my children come to me when they need strength and help. Don’t ignore your weakness, let it combat your pride, and seek help from Our Father.
