In today’s epistle, St. Paul reveals that he suffers with a “thorn in the flesh.” Obviously, this is not a literal thorn, but a metaphorical one, sent by Satan, which torments him. Paul provides no further explanation, so we do not know whether this affliction is physical, emotional, or spiritual, yet over the years, biblical scholars have often speculated as to what this thorn might have been: a recurring temptation, passion, chronic illness, migraines, eye problems, rheumatism…or perhaps a broken relationship or fallout with a friend. No one can honestly say with certainty what this thorn was, but it was a source of irritation in Paul’s life.
Rather than viewing this thorn as a negative, however, Paul accepts his suffering in humility – as well as a means of keeping him humble. Having been chosen by Christ and commissioned as an apostle, might easily cause one to become proud, conceited, and “puffed up.” Thus, this affliction reminded Paul that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness” and that, like the Prophet Job, God sometimes allows Satan to torment us for God’s own purpose.
No one likes to experience or live in pain or discomfort, yet they are byproducts of a fallen world; and like it or not, they serve to remind us of the feebleness of our nature and mortality. The thorns we suffer in life keep us from becoming too haughty, proud, or arrogant. They “knock us down” a notch and remind us that we are not bigger than God; and that is a good thing. They serve to humble us, while emboldening our character and enhancing our trust and faith in Christ – Who wore a whole Crown of Thornes – that His grace is sufficient for us.
