Knocked down but never killed

 Today's first reading from the letter of St Paul to the Corinthians features one of my favorite passages.

In another context, it could also work well as a motivational video or song.

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.

I have to say that I prefer much better the Italian version of this passage, whose translation is slightly different:

We struggle, but we are never crushed; we are shattered, but not desperate; persecuted but not forsaken; stricken but not killed.

In brief, we don't give up. However, this is not because of our own strength. 

We are but vases made of clay.  

This is because at work in us we have both the death and resurrection of Jesus.

We face death every day, yet we are still alive.

We do our best but most times our best is not enough.

It is then that we turn to God for help.