Fortitude

2 Corinthians 1.1-11

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,


To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout Achaia:


Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.


We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death so that we would rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again, as you also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted to us through the prayers of many.


Reflection

At first blush, it might seem that Paul is both complaining - he’s suffered so much spreading the Gospel (sigh) – and boasting – he’s suffered so much spreading the Gospel! But he’s doing neither. Instead, he’s sharing a foundation of his faith: that even during the worst of times, God has been with him.


A platitude? Sure. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. During this season of Lent, we are called to delve deep into our hearts and souls. This can be daunting, frightening. Yet God is with us, just as God is with us during all the difficulties of our lives, supporting us, embracing us, loving us.

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