14th Sunday after Pentecost
2 Cor 1: 21 - 2:4

A reading - from the First Letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians

Brothers and sisters: God is the one who firmly establishes us along with you in Christ; it is he who anointed us and has sealed us, thereby depositing the first payment, the Spirit, in | our | hearts.

I call on God as my witness that it was out of consideration for you that I did not come to Corinth again. Domineering over your faith is not my | pur|pose.

I prefer to work with you toward your happiness. As regards faith, you are standing firm. I decide, however, not to visit you again in painful cir|cum|stances.

For if I cause you pain, who can make me happy again but the ones | I | grieved?

I wrote as I did so that when I come I may not be saddened by those who should rejoice in my heart. I know you all well enough to be convinced that my happiness | is | yours.

That is why I wrote you in great sorrow and anguish, with copious tears - not to make you sad but to help you realize the great I love I - bear - you.