32nd Week in Ordinary 'Time, Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Scripture: Philemon 7-20. Psalm 146:7-10. Luke 17:20-25

In reading Philemon, I discovered that Paul is a personalist not one addicted to individualism. This little piece of writing is a gem for it shows us the great love of Paul for each individual even for one who may have stolen from his master Philemon, but who returns and later becomes a leader in a larger church. The church of Philemon is more of a home church where the Christians meet. This private piece of correspondence even gives us some of the names of those who participate in the liturgy. Paul is the actual writer of this and confirms it with his own hand. His love for both Philemon and the runaway servant Onesimus is so strongly expressed in this letter that it could be taken as a Valentine! His peronal love is clear and warm for the household church and its members.

This letter is not insignificant and besides it is an inspired writing of the New Testament under the direction of the Holy Spirit with the cooperation of St. Paul. Philemon's wife is mentioned, his son and then these names too are added: Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. Could the names of Mark and Luke be the evangelists?

Paul's personalism is convincing and his heartfelt concern for the family, the church and for Onesimus is apparent. The words of faith and love are seen within this short letter. Onesimus is not a servant in Paul's eyes and heart but a dear brother and member of the family. He is to be forgiven. Paul is transforming through the grace and power of Christ the social complications of servitude in a Christian community. We see the fellowship (koinonia) leading the servants into freedom, the freedom of Christ. And if we follow the tradition that is given to the person of Onesimus, we learn that he may have been the one to put together the letters of Paul and that he also may have been the bishop, perhaps, the first bishop of the Church at Ephesus. Paul is writing from prison probably in the years between 61-63 A.D.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming, maybe we could learn to take some time and write not type a few personal letters to cherished family members or friends. Personalism takes some time but why rush when it is a question of reaching out to a friend through a personal letter. Amen.