We do not know nor do we need to know what "the thorn in the flesh" which Paul suffered entailed. It is a powerful symbol of all forms of suffering and problems. We may even apply it to our modern world, where there are so many thorns in the flesh of our society and even we must be sorry to acknowledge, in the flesh of the Body of Christ, the Church.

The reply which Paul received from God in answer to his pleading is an encouragement and consolation for us as we try to deal with these myriad thorns. God's grace is certainly enough for us if we honestly recognize the thorns and plead earnestly with God for remedies. God encouraged Paul with a mysterious affirmation: "my power is at its best in weakness." Jesus took our human weakness to himself and in the weakness of human flesh died on a cross. In the whole Christ event we see the only power that matters: the power of love, that power which is the Holy Spirit.