I am content with weaknesses, insults,
hardships, persecutions, and constraints,
for the sake of Christ;
for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:10)
This is one of the things no one likes to admit: we are weak.
Our very nature is based upon weakness.
The moment we are born, we enter a weak, frail world.
Our own mortality speaks to us of the weakness that is at our very core.
However, instead of wallowing in self-pity, we are called to something greater.
Jesus give us the graces that we need to rise above our human failings, above our weakness.
St. Paul wrote about this considerably, a portion, of which, we hear in today’s first reading. He knew his weaknesses. He knew that they were many and could be overpowering.
However, he also came to know the incredible mystery: if he embraced his weaknesses and turned them over to the Lord, God would use him — even through his weaknesses — to touch the lives of others.
People like an underdog.
They like to see someone come from behind and do great things.
We are all born underdogs in this world.
But, our weaknesses do not need to incapacitate us. Instead, they could help us to give witness to the world about the great love of our God.
FAITH ACTION: Take stock of your weaknesses this day. Are you thankful for them? Do you learn from them? Will you let the Lord lead you through them to His strength?