Fr. Mike Schmitz

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us.

We were not idle when we were with you.

We did not eat anyone's bread without paying.

But with toil and labor we worked night and day that we might not burden any of you.

It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate.

For even when we were with you, we gave you this command, If anyone will not work, let him not eat.

For we hear that some of you are walking in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.

Now, such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to earn their own living.

Brethren, do not be weary in well-doing.

If anyone refuses to obey what we say in this letter, note that man and have nothing to do with him that he may be ashamed.

Do not look on him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Final greetings and benediction.

Now, may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways.

The Lord be with you all.

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.

This is the mark in every letter of mine.

It is the way I write.

This is the way of an adulteress.

She eats and wipes her mouth and says, I have done no wrong.