Look!
I am ready to come a third time to you,
and I will not be a burden.
And I am not seeking what is yours, but you!
For children should not be obliged to save up for their parents,
but the parents for the children.
Most gladly I will spend
and be spent
for your souls.
If I love you more
am I to be loved less?
Let’s take it that
I did not burden you.
But being cunning
I took you in by deceit!
Did I take advantage of you
through him that I sent you?
I urged Titus (to go)
and I sent the brother with him
Titus did not take advantage of you, did he?
Don’t we walk in the same spirit?
and in the same footsteps?
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.