Daily Retreat 11/13/08
2008 Nov 13 Thu: Frances Xavier Cabrini, v, r M
Phlm 7-20/ Ps 145(146): 7. 8-9a. 9bc-10/ Lk 17: 20-25
From today’s readings: “Beloved: I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother.... Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.... behold, the Kingdom of God is among you....”
A Little Letter
This time, I must really insist you read the whole letter - there can be no objections to taking the time for the 25 verses of this shortest epistle of Paul! Short and sweet is a good way of describing this letter, addressed by Paul to Philemon, a Christian of Colossae, and asking him for a Christian attitude of clemency in receiving back Onesimus, a runaway slave.
Reading between the lines allows us to put the whole story together. Onesimus (whose name in fact means "useful") had been considered "useless" to his master (v. 11) when he ran away. By chance, Onesimus ended up being converted by Paul, who was in prison at that time (around 62-63 AD, either in Rome, or perhaps in Ephesus). Motivated by justice but trusting in Christian charity, Onesimus was persuaded to take the risk of returning to his master, where he could have suffered severe punishment (even death!) - to avert that, Paul wrote this persuasive and very personal letter.
Even though none of us own slaves (or are slaves), the Christian "way" exemplified in turn by Paul, Onesimus, and Philemon can inspire us with a holy attitude to bring to all of our decisions. Paul was committed to justice tempered by reconciliation and restitution of the relationship between Onesimus and Philemon, and by appealing to their faith and friendship, Paul brings out the best in them both. Onesimus had the most to lose by returning to his master, so his decision to accept Paul's counsel demonstrates Onesimus' great faith in both Paul and in Christ's transforming grace. Although the letter doesn't reveal what happened, since Paul was a good judge of character, it is safe to assume that Philemon welcomed Onesimus as Paul had urged - with forgiveness, and as a brother.
You and I can concretely put these Christian attitudes into practice today - think about some situation in your life that could benefit from "the Christian way," then make sure you guide all your decisions with your real Christian faith!
Phlm 7-20/ Ps 145(146): 7. 8-9a. 9bc-10/ Lk 17: 20-25
From today’s readings: “Beloved: I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother.... Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.... behold, the Kingdom of God is among you....”
A Little Letter
This time, I must really insist you read the whole letter - there can be no objections to taking the time for the 25 verses of this shortest epistle of Paul! Short and sweet is a good way of describing this letter, addressed by Paul to Philemon, a Christian of Colossae, and asking him for a Christian attitude of clemency in receiving back Onesimus, a runaway slave.
Reading between the lines allows us to put the whole story together. Onesimus (whose name in fact means "useful") had been considered "useless" to his master (v. 11) when he ran away. By chance, Onesimus ended up being converted by Paul, who was in prison at that time (around 62-63 AD, either in Rome, or perhaps in Ephesus). Motivated by justice but trusting in Christian charity, Onesimus was persuaded to take the risk of returning to his master, where he could have suffered severe punishment (even death!) - to avert that, Paul wrote this persuasive and very personal letter.
Even though none of us own slaves (or are slaves), the Christian "way" exemplified in turn by Paul, Onesimus, and Philemon can inspire us with a holy attitude to bring to all of our decisions. Paul was committed to justice tempered by reconciliation and restitution of the relationship between Onesimus and Philemon, and by appealing to their faith and friendship, Paul brings out the best in them both. Onesimus had the most to lose by returning to his master, so his decision to accept Paul's counsel demonstrates Onesimus' great faith in both Paul and in Christ's transforming grace. Although the letter doesn't reveal what happened, since Paul was a good judge of character, it is safe to assume that Philemon welcomed Onesimus as Paul had urged - with forgiveness, and as a brother.
You and I can concretely put these Christian attitudes into practice today - think about some situation in your life that could benefit from "the Christian way," then make sure you guide all your decisions with your real Christian faith!
posted by FrPitstick | 11/11/2008
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