Liturgy
Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time (II)
Philemon 7-20
Psalm 146:7, 8-9a, 9bc-10
Luke 17:20-25
Today’s Epistle is the entire book of the Letter to Philemon, which I have always considered attractive and somewhat unattractive all at the same time.
First a bit of context: The letter, though a mere 25 verses long, has been noted as worthy of inclusion because it was written in Paul’s own hand! He writes from Rome where he is under perhaps some type of house arrest. There he met Onesimus, a runaway slave of Philemon, a wealthy Christian from Colossus. While in Rome, Onesimus had become a convert to the faith, a friend and even considered “a dear brother” as Paul is sending him back to his owner Philemon. In Paul’s thinking, Onesimus was morally bound to return.
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Meditations
* Our Way of Life *
"Our diverse talents and abilities, our differences in culture, nationality and age are assets for the richness of the community. Although we may be engaged in a variety of ministries, we all share the common call to apostolic discipleship in a community of the Catholic Apostolate of St. Vincent Pallotti."(OWL, 91)
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"Christ, the Apostle of the Eternal Father, and his mission are central to our personal and community life, giving meaning and direction to our thinking, our spirituality, our prayer, action and suffering." (OWL, 19)
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"As a community of disciples we are gathered around Jesus, the Apostle of the Eternal Father. Like the first disciples, we want to be with Jesus, be sent out by him and return to him to evaluate our service in the light of his presence." (OWL, 88)
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"As Pallottines, it is our special charism to foster growth in faith and love among the laity, to awaken them to awareness of their apostolic call, and to cooperate with them in furthering the apostolic mission." (OWL, 21)
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"Our relationships with one another should be marked by a love that bears all, believes all and hopes for all, a love that is neither conceited nor jealous, which hurts no one, nor is embittered or resentful. It is never discouraged but remains patient and kind. It rejoices with others and shares their suffering. It is with this kind of love that we should help and support one another." (OWL, 90)
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