Was the Apostle Paul's "Thorn in the Flesh" His Eyesight?
Reflecting on the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost: One Day after Sunday (Year B)
Scripture
Semi-continuous: Psalm 53; 1 Samuel 13:23-14:23; Galatians 6:11-18
Complementary: Psalm 52; Ezekiel 31:1-12; Galatians 6:11-18
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Prayer
O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth: Put away from us, we entreat you, all hurtful things, and give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)
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Reflection
See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. For[ neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
From now on, let no one make trouble for me, for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen (Galatians 6:11-18).
The Apostle Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is a subject of much debate and speculation among scholars and theologians. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Paul writes:
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