God's Promises through Suffering, Mark 8:31-38, Romans 8:31-39

As Jesus begins teaching his disciples directly about his crucifixion, St. Peter rebukes Jesus for thinking that the Messiah must suffer. However, Jesus turns the tables on St. Peter and points out to him and all that we all must suffer and die in light of his own death and resurrection. Through this, we come to know more deeply the love of Christ for us.

Image: The Crucifixion, unknown artist, public domain, from the J. Paul Getty Museum. Image location: https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/107TX5#full-artwork-details

Thorns and Grace, 2 Corinthians 12.2-10

St. Paul tells of a vision that he received and the results of that very vision being a thorn in his flesh given by God that he would not think too highly of himself. For some this could be disconcerting, for others, an answer to their own questions about suffering and struggle in their lives. St. Paul’s thorn in the flesh helps us to wrestle with the reality that our suffering is to lead us nearer to God the Father because it draws our eyes to our crucified Lord Jesus.

Image: St. Paul the Apostle, photo by Ted, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, no changes made. Image location: https://www.flickr.com/photos/frted/4264223704

The Weight of Being Known, 2 Corinthians 4.13-18

St. Paul speaks of the many sufferings he has endured in carrying the Gospel to various peoples. Despite all of this, he rejoices in his Savior. How can he do this? What leads him to continue pushing forward to know Jesus? Father Jeremiah reflects on this and how the weight of glory carries St. Paul throughout his days.

Image: by Greg. Man starring at starry sky outside with the milky way. Public domain. Image location: https://www.goodfreephotos.com/astrophotography/man-staring-at-a-starry-sky.jpg.php