1ST READING
Paul
does not condemn the practice of slavery as wrong as we would today.
However, here we have him pleading for the release of Onesimus from his
indentured slavery. He asks Philemon to set him free. We are not sure of
the result of this request. However, today we are sure that slavery is
never justified no matter what the reason behind it may be. It harms the
dignity of the human person, ultimately of both the slave and the
slave-owner. Let us seek to promote human dignity in all our Christian
organizations.
Philemon 7-20
7 Beloved:
I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because
the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother. 8 Therefore, although I have the full right in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 I rather urge you out of love, being as I am, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus. 10 I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment, 11 who was once useless to you but is now useful to both you and me. 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the Gospel, 14 but I did not want to do anything
without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary. 15 Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no
longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially
to me, but even more so to you, as a man and in the Lord. 17 So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me. 18 And if he has
done you any injustice or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, write this in my own hand: I will pay. May I not tell you that you owe me your very self. 20 Yes, brother, may I profit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
P S A L M
Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
R: Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
7 The Lord secures justice for the oppressed, gives good to the hungry. The Lord sets captives free. (R) 8 The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord raises up those who were bowed down; the Lord loves the just. 9 The Lord protects strangers. (R) The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but
the way of the wicked he thwarts. 10 The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia. (R)
GOSPEL
Jesus
is not interested in an external vision of God’s Kingdom. He is really
only interested in what is going on deep in our hearts in response to
His love. This is where the Kingdom of God first takes root and finds it
basis. Let us pray that we will never take for granted the love that
God has for us, and thus, put it to use by allowing His love to truly
transform us into the people God wants us to be.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord: whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.
Luke 17:20-25
20 Asked
by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in
reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, 21 and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” 22 Then
he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see
one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see
it. 23 There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. 24 For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”
1st READING 2nd READING
think: Slavery is never justified no matter what the reason behind it may be.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ___________________________
____________________________________________
God’s special verse/thought for me today_________
____________________________________________
READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Jeremiah 27-30
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