We invite you to reflect on five biblical passages that relate to the paradoxical themes of this revelatory chapter.
"Fourteen years later, I went up to Jerusalem, now with Barnabas, and with Titus as well. I went there because of a revelation and explained to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this especially to those who seemed to be the most influential, to make sure that I did not present myself, or had not presented myself, in vain." This account of Paul, where a revelation leads him to Jerusalem, resonates with the "visions and revelations" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6.
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us." This verse illustrates Paul's attitude in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where he boasts of his weaknesses for the sake of Christ.
"Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and convinced the crowd. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. But when the disciples surrounded him, he got up and returned to the city. The next day, he and Barnabas left for Derbe." This incident could be one of the "near-death experiences" to which Paul refers in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6.
"Not that I am looking for offers, but for what can be credited to your account." This verse echoes Paul's sentiment in 2 Corinthians 12:14, where he declares that he is not seeking the Corinthians' possessions, but their spiritual well-being.
"And I was among you in weakness, fear, and much trembling." This admission of weakness Paul's account of the journey to Corinth aligns perfectly with his discussion of weakness and strength in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Meditating on these verses, we are invited to embrace our fragility and recognize that it is in our weakness that God's grace is fully manifested. May this reflection guide us in our journey of faith and our service within the Church.