God’s power is revealed in human weakness

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor 12:7-10).

When God wishes to carry out an enterprise, he uses totally inadequate means so it can be clearly seen that the work is his. That is why you and I, who well know the overwhelming weight of our own pettiness, should tell the Lord, “Although I see my own wretchedness, I never cease to be aware that I am a divine instrument in your hands.” I have never doubted that the works that may have been done throughout my life in the service of the Holy Church have been done not by me, but by the Lord, although he may have made use of me: A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven (John 3:27).