We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never deserted; knocked down, but never killed; always, wherever we may be, we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too, may always be seen in our body. Indeed, while we are still alive, we are consigned to our death every day, for the sake of Jesus, so that in our mortal flesh the life of Jesus, too, may be openly shown. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

But as we have the same spirit of faith that is mentioned in scripture – I believed, and therefore I spoke – we too believe and therefore we too speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus to life will raise us with Jesus in our turn, and put us by his side and you with us. You see, all this is for your benefit, so that the more grace is multiplied among people, the more thanksgiving there will be, to the glory of God.

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

I trusted, even when I said:
  ‘I am sorely afflicted,’
and when I said in my alarm:
  ‘No man can be trusted.’

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

O precious in the eyes of the Lord
  is the death of his faithful.
Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;
  you have loosened my bonds.

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
  I will call on the Lord’s name.
My vows to the Lord I will fulfil
  before all his people.

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

Alleluia, alleluia!
The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice,
says the Lord,
I know them and they follow me.
Alleluia!