Eastertide
July 2, 2015

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.
—2 Corinthians 12:6-7

The old adage “actions speak louder than words” flashed through my mind as I read our scripture for today and then St. Francis’ of Assisi poignant words, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

The thorn in Paul’s flesh has been a subject of great supposition. No one actually has any idea what it really was, but I’ll bet most of us, if we think about it, have thorns that prick our hearts to behave differently than was once our norm. Obviously from Paul we learn those reminders can be a good thing, but, I also think, they can be bad, too. If we have ever been burned by touching something hot, we are probably forever reminded to be careful around fire, but hopefully the burning did not stop us from enjoying a campfire or even cooking.

I don’t know how many times, I have heard the words, “We tried that once and it didn’t work.” The period at the end of the statement usually meant we were not going to try it again. We need to be very careful not to let bad past experiences cast a shadow on our loving one another. Indeed, Paul was surely cautious about whatever his thorn in the flesh was, but he never stopped teaching us to love even when our love may have been rejected for Paul’s whole ministry was based on Christ crucified—the one who went to the cross out of love.

Prayer:  Lord, let your love flow steadily through us washing out our fear of loving others even those who do not love us back. Let our lives and actions speak louder than our words. Grant us wisdom, strength, and courage in our work as your body today. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.