18 Jun
Sat
11th Week in Ordinary Time
2 Cor. 12:1-10
Ps. 34:7-12
Mt. 6:24-34
(Ps Wk III)
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Paul's reference to the "thorn in the flesh" is one of his most mysterious sayings and we can only guess at the reality behind the words. He may be referring to some very debilitating disease, such as he refers to in Galatians 4:13-14. That illness was not an ordinary minor affliction, for Paul praises the Galatians that they were not revolted or disgusted by it. It may have left Paul almost blind. Or it may have affected his speech. This latter suggestion may help us to understand and appreciate the great strength and vigour of his letters: deprived of eloquence in speech, all his energy and eloquence went into his writings.

The "thorn in the flesh" may, however, be his way of describing the adverse circumstances in which he often had to work, as this Second Letter to the Corinthians illustrates in great detail. In particular, the "thorn in the flesh" may refer to Jewish opposition to the Gospel. While we can only guess at the reality behind his words, we can learn from Paul's attitude to it. It kept him constantly aware of his need to rely entirely on God, as we read on Wednesday last week.



Father, spare us from whatever "thorn in the flesh" may hinder our relationship with You. May we always experience that Your grace is sufficient for us.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That our society should, with concrete acts of Christian and brotherly love, come to the aid of the millions of refugees who live in extreme need and abandonment.
Elaboration

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