First reading
Reading from the letter of the apostle Saint Paul to Philemon (7-20): I was very happy and encouraged by your charity, brother, because you have alleviated the sufferings of the saints. Therefore, although I have complete freedom in Christ to command you what is appropriate to do, I prefer to beg you by appealing to your charity, I, Paul, old man and prisoner for Christ Jesus. I recommend to you Onesimus, my son, whom I begot in prison, who was once so useless to you, and now, however, is so useful to you and me; I send it to you as something from my bowels. I would have liked to keep him with me, so that he could serve me in your place, in this prison that I suffer for the Gospel; but I have not wanted to retain it without counting on you; So you will do me this favor, not by force, but with freedom. Perhaps he departed from you so that you may recover him now forever; and not as a slave, but much better: as a dear brother. If I love it so much, how much more must you love it, as a man and as a Christian. If you consider me your companion, receive him as myself. If he has wronged you in any way and owes you something, put it on my account; I, Pablo, sign the promissory note to you in my own handwriting, not to mention that you owe me your own person. For God’s sake, brother, let’s see if you give me this satisfaction in the Lord; relieve my anxiety, for the love of Christ. Word of God
