The Fraternity We Have & Share. 09/07/25. Chima Offurum. 

This weekend, I am centering my reflections on the short but profound letter of St. Paul to Philemon. This letter is the second reading of the 23rd Sunday in the Ordinary Time, Cycle C (09/7/25). It is one of the briefest writings in the Bible, yet it carries a depth that far outweighs its length. In it, Paul pleads on behalf of Onesimus, a man who became his spiritual son during his house arrest in Rome. The letter reads like a heartfelt recommendation, the kind we often get when we go job-hunting, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a servant anymore but a brother in Christ (Philemon 9-10; 12-17).

Just as Jesus turned to address the crowd following Him in today’s gospel reading (Luke 14:25-33), there comes a point in our lives when we also feel compelled to turn around and speak to those who are journeying with us. Those individuals could be family members, friends, colleagues, or some random persons. This introspective reflection could happen anytime, but often comes up later in life, when we have been shaped by years of experience and feel the responsibility to share those lessons with others so they may sustain their energies in positive adventures or avoid the missteps we may have made. Paul, writing as an older man to his dear friend Philemon, shows us this wisdom that comes from such a place, which is both tender and instructive.

As we celebrate the milestones of our lives, especially in our weekly gatherings at the Eucharist, St. Paul’s letter to Philemon today reminds us that God often gives us opportunities to mend broken relationships. His example encourages us to seek reconciliation every day, reach out to those we may have hurt, or those who may have hurt us, and embrace those moments of grace before they slip away. My prayer for you this weekend is to be open to these “second chances” and have the courage to respond with honesty, humility, and love when faced by them.