32nd Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Thursday, 14th November 2024

The letter to Philemon shows us Paul’s gentle and kindly side. There is that loving regard of Paul towards both Philemon and Onesimus. It seems that Onesimus was looking after Paul while he was in prison. Onesimus was Philemon’s slave and Paul had a great deal of concern for him. We can assume that Paul was concerned that Philemon was unhappy with Onesimus. Paul wanted to assure Philemon that Onesimus had been very helpful to him. More than that, Onesimus was a believer in Christ, and this led to a change in character which Philemon would no doubt appreciate. Does our behaviour allow people to notice that we are believers?

The Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. Don’t many of us wonder the same thing? But Jesus affirmed that the kingdom of God was not an earthly kingdom – the kingdom of God was among them already. He then warned the people not to go here and there looking for the kingdom. So often people forget that the kingdom of God is among us and within us and we are called to be still in the presence of God. Sensational phenomena do not present the Kingdom of God, it is only when we truly accept Jesus as He is that we see God’s presence in every event of our lives. We allow God’s reign to take over even in facing suffering.

Lord, help me to live my life with generosity so people see Your work through me.