ARE YOU THE WEAK LINK?
“I will do no boasting about myself unless it be about my weaknesses.” —2 Corinthians 12:5
St. Paul had been “snatched up to the third heaven” (2 Cor 12:2). He was transported “to Paradise to hear words which cannot be uttered, words which no man may speak” (2 Cor 12:4). Despite these “extraordinary revelations” (2 Cor 12:7), Paul did not base his evangelization on the glory of heaven; instead he focused on the weakness and scandal of the cross (1 Cor 2:2).
In today’s society, St. Paul would be inundated with movie offers, book contracts, speaking tours, and interviews to expound upon his heavenly experiences. Who wouldn’t want to hear a description of heaven? Paul had a powerful witness that would attract many. Why wouldn’t he want to pass on that Good News?
Paul knew that even a powerful witness like the experience of heaven couldn’t match the power in the weakness of suffering, “for in weakness power reaches perfection” (2 Cor 12:9). So he willingly boasted of his “weaknesses instead, that the power of Christ may rest upon” him (2 Cor 12:9).
What is your weakness? Are you physically limited, fatigued by caring for young babies or aged parents, in danger from persecution, under attack for your stand for life, alone and unsupported in your faith? Are you constrained by obstacles which seemingly prevent you from moving in power? (see 2 Cor 12:7) If so, you have more power than ever before. In your weakness, God is with you and His power is upon you.
PRAYER: Father, Your grace is enough for me (2 Cor 12:9).
PROMISE: “Enough, then, of worrying about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself.” –Mt 6:34
PRAISE: St. Thomas More was beheaded for not supporting King Henry VIII. In 2000, Pope St. John Paul II named him the patron of political leaders.
