August 29, 2003, Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist. A reading from the first

letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our

reception among you was not without effect. Rather, after we had suffered and been insolently treated, as you know, in Philippi,

we drew courage through our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much struggle.

Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives, nor did it work through deception.

But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the gospel,

that is how we speak.

Not as trying to please men, but rather God who judges our hearts.

Nor indeed did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know,

or with a pretext for greed, God is witness. Nor did we seek

praise from men, either from you or from others, although we were able to impose our weight

as apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children.

With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God,

but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.

The word of the Lord.

The Responsorial Psalm, the response is,

You have searched me and you know me, Lord.

O Lord, you have probed me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I stand.

You understand my thoughts from afar.

My journeys and my rest you scrutinize with all my ways you are familiar.

You have searched me and you know me, Lord. Even before a word is on my tongue,

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