The "Thorn in the Flesh": Why Doesn't God Relieve Chronic Suffering?
Bishop Barron explains Saint Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” as a symbol of persistent suffering, emphasizing its role in spiritual growth and reliance on God’s grace, ultimately leading to our salvation.
Bishop Barron's Thorn in the Flesh Video Review
Saint Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is a mysterious affliction he mentions in his letters, but he never specifies exactly what it was. This “thorn” represents the persistent challenges and sufferings we all face in our own lives—those difficult, painful circumstances that we desperately wish God would remove but seem to remain with us indefinitely. Despite our pleas for relief, sometimes God’s response, as it was to Saint Paul, is simply, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” This teaches us to rely on God’s grace and strength to endure our lifelong struggles.
Key Points:
- Mystery of the Thorn: Saint Paul never explains what his “thorn in the flesh” specifically was.
- Universal Struggle: We all have something in our lives that causes persistent suffering or difficulty.
- Persistent Prayer: Like Paul, we often ask God to take away our sufferings.
- Divine Response: Sometimes, God’s answer is that His grace is enough to help us endure.
- Life Lesson: These challenges teach us to depend on God’s strength throughout our lives.
What is "Thorn in the Flesh"?
Bishop Barron explains that The “thorn in the flesh” is the most troubling chronic issue in your life, a constant struggle you’ve been desperately pleading with God to remove.