|
Our Second Reading today come from Paul’s letter to Philemon.
This letter is the shortest of Paul’s letter, totaling only 25
verses. Philemon was a Colossian who had been converted by Paul
to Christianity. His slave Onesimus had run away - having
stolen some of his master’s goods and had somehow reached Paul,
who was in prison. Paul converted Onesimus and sends him back
to his master with this letter. In the letter Paul asks
Philemon to accept Onesimus back as a brother and not as a
slave. Paul reminds Philemon that since Onesimus has received
baptism, there is a new relationship between them. It is on the
basis of this relationship that Paul urges Philemon to accept
Onesimus, as he would accept Paul himself.
Clearly there is a heavy burden placed on Philemon in this
letter. This slave has offended him and now he is to accept him
as a brother in Christ. The demands of Christian charity are
being stretched to the limit. And the message for us is that we
must be willing to stretch that far if we are truly followers of
Christ. |
