No More as a Slave but as a Beloved Brother!

 

14 November 2024

32nd Week Ordinary Time

Thursday

Philem 1:7-20

Meditation

No More as a Slave but as a Beloved Brother!

St Paul writes to Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother. St Paul became father to him in faith and Onesimus became his child. A bond of faith. Faith in Jesus can unite people. Let us grow in the bonds of faith as children of the Father in heaven. Earlier he was not useful and now he is useful to Philemon and to St Paul as well.

St Paul does not demand Philemon in faith to receive Onesimus as a brother, but he appeals. A true father and mother do not demand respect, honour and obedience from their children. They appeal to them with love and concern. Such an appeal from the parents has an impact on the children to obey and follow the instructions of the parents.

Do we appeal or demand obedience?

Fr Putti Anthaiah Sdb

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