First Reading

Brothers and sisters:

I must boast; not that it is profitable,

but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.

I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago

(whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows),

was caught up to the third heaven.

And I know that this man

(whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows)

was caught up into Paradise and heard ineffable things,

which no one may utter.

About this man I will boast,

but about myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.

Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish,

for I would be telling the truth.

But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me

than what he sees in me or hears from me

because of the abundance of the revelations.

Therefore, that I might not become too elated,

a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan,

to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.

Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me,

but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,

for power is made perfect in weakness.”

I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses,

in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.

Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults,

hardships, persecutions, and constraints,

for the sake of Christ;

for when I am weak, then I am strong.