Already you have been filled!
already you are beginning to be rich!
you begin to reign as kings without us!
and indeed I could wish you did reign as kings
so that we might reign with you too!
For, it seems to me,
God paraded us apostles last
as ones doomed to die
because we have become a spectacle to the world:
both to angels
and to people.
We are foolish because of Christ,
yet you are wise in Christ
we are are weak
yet you are strong,
you are honoured
yet we are despised.
Until this present hour
we are hungry and thirsty
we are naked and beaten
and are homeless and
we toil, by working with our hands.
Although insulted, we speak kindly
although persecuted, we endure
although slandered, we are positive
We have become the world’s scum
everyone’s scrapings- until now.
Eternal God and Fatther,
you create us by your power,
and redeem us by your love,
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves in love and service
to one another and to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen