1. Who are the "brothers" and "sisters" that today's Gospel reading mentions? In fact, the passage even names a number of brothers. This particular section has always caused me trouble since the Church has always claimed that Mary had no other children than Jesus. As a younger person, I had wondered if Joseph had children from a previous marriage, but the Bible doesn't mention a previous marriage, let alone children. Most Church scholars say that the terms of "brothers" and "sisters" was more all-inclusive at that time and that this verse most likely refers to extended family. Still, that leads me to wonder why the Church simply doesn't use a translation which says "cousins."
2. What was going on with Paul's side? He mentions a "thorn" in his side that causes him such pain that he forgets his elation at spreading the Word of God. He says that he even prayed for the "thorn" to be removed from him on at least three occasions, but that God has not made any move to do so. It must have been frustrating for him, doing all of these works for God, but God not taking away this terrible pain. Yet I find this section encouraging (and I know that this sounds a little horrible) because if even someone like Paul, who had a direct encounter with Jesus, could pray to be healed and not have his prayer and faith take away the pain, then I should not feel bad when my own prayers of that type aren't answered. Perhaps, like Paul believes, the "thorn" serves a purpose greater than I can understand.
3. Why does God keep choosing the Israelites? Time and again they disappoint Him, turning to false gods and blasphemous ways, yet He keeps sending them prophets, as He does in today's first reading. He even warns Ezekiel that they are a stubborn and difficult people. I suppose that I should find this reading comforting as well. America celebrated yet another birthday this weekend, and I know that we are a stubborn and difficult people who also tend to embrace false gods and blasphemous ways. It's a good thing that God isn't going to give up on us either.