I don’t know if this post is better suited in the Religion or The Work forum so, I will start here in the Work thread since that is the context of my question
For the at least the last 20 years, I have had a burning question or series of questions within me concerning what Paul wrote about the “thorn in his flesh”. I have read many traditional theological interpretations and even some speculative ones about what Paul was referring to in the following verses from 2 Corinthians chapter 12: 7 – 10 (KJV)
“7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Since encountering and doing the Work and from reading a more accurate and truthful accounting of Paul and his writings from Laura’s research in her latest book From Paul to Mark, the context of these verses has changed for me.
I will try to state my question as clearly as I can, but it may need refinement for clarity. In the context of our current understanding of the Work, could the term “thorn in the flesh” possibly refer to the false personality, an attachment, a program, or a combination of all three or something else?
A follow-on question is do most of us working on ourselves for soul growth and development eventually encounter own our “thorn in the flesh” that refuses to go away or is not allowed to be removed for a higher purpose or lessons making our Personality (I) weak so that our Soul/essence/Real I is somehow shown to be strong? I sense this is also related to what Paul refer to throughout his teachings about the struggle between the flesh and spirit.
I hope my questions will be a starting point for discussion and sharing as well as a good example of networking to come to a greater understanding and growth for myself and others. I don’t want to be a slacker as the C’s said in the recent session.
For the at least the last 20 years, I have had a burning question or series of questions within me concerning what Paul wrote about the “thorn in his flesh”. I have read many traditional theological interpretations and even some speculative ones about what Paul was referring to in the following verses from 2 Corinthians chapter 12: 7 – 10 (KJV)
“7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Since encountering and doing the Work and from reading a more accurate and truthful accounting of Paul and his writings from Laura’s research in her latest book From Paul to Mark, the context of these verses has changed for me.
I will try to state my question as clearly as I can, but it may need refinement for clarity. In the context of our current understanding of the Work, could the term “thorn in the flesh” possibly refer to the false personality, an attachment, a program, or a combination of all three or something else?
A follow-on question is do most of us working on ourselves for soul growth and development eventually encounter own our “thorn in the flesh” that refuses to go away or is not allowed to be removed for a higher purpose or lessons making our Personality (I) weak so that our Soul/essence/Real I is somehow shown to be strong? I sense this is also related to what Paul refer to throughout his teachings about the struggle between the flesh and spirit.
I hope my questions will be a starting point for discussion and sharing as well as a good example of networking to come to a greater understanding and growth for myself and others. I don’t want to be a slacker as the C’s said in the recent session.