A thorn to the flesh
But St. Paul besought the Lord three times, and yet he could not escape from his temptation. Let us consider his own words literally translated (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). There was given to me a thorn to the flesh, an angel or messenger of Satan to buffet me. Touching this I besought the Lord three times, that it or he might depart from me. And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for you. For my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in these my weaknesses, that the strength of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, for when I am weak, then am I strong.
1771 text
15. “But St. Paul besought the Lord thrice, and yet he could not escape from his temptation.” Let us consider his own words literally translated. There was given to me, a thorn, to the flesh, an angel, or messenger of Satan, to buffet me. Touching this I besought the Lord thrice, that it or he might depart from me. 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 these my weaknesses, that the strength of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses,――for when I am weak, then am I strong.