Family

I know you have been deprived of Onesimus for a time, but it was only so that you could have him back for ever, not as a slave any more, but something much better than a slave, a dear brother; especially dear to me, but how much more to you, as a blood-brother as well as a brother in the Lord.

Phil.15,16

Paul writes to Philemon, a wealthy man and slave owner, asking him to accept a former slave now as a brother.

What can a prisoner, a wealthy man and a slave have in common? In this story it is Jesus. Here we have a wonderful example of what the family of God looks like. Very different individuals bound together in a familial relationship through Jesus. 

This was the unique characteristic of the early Church and continues to be the unique characteristic of the Church today. The Alpha Course we've just finished is an example. Different people in every way yet we discovered a common bond, each of us is loved by God as sons and daughters. This immediately makes us brothers and sisters, makes us family.

Thank you Jesus for calling us together into one body, into family. Help me see all I meet today as sons and daughters, loved by God and so my brothers and sisters.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.