The beginning of the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians. Paul, by God's will, an apostle of Jesus Christ and Timothy his brother, to the Church of God that is in Corinth, and to all the holy ones of the Church who live in Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Mercy and the God of all Consolation. He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in any trouble with the same consolation we have received from Him. As we have shared much in the suffering of Christ, so to Christ do we share abundantly in his consolation.
If we are afflicted, it is for your encouragement and salvation. And when we are consoled, it is for your consolation so that you may endure patiently the same sufferings we endure. Our hope for you is firm because we know that just as you share in suffering, so you will share in the consolation. The word of the Lord.