Today's first reading is important in the history of scriptural studies because it is, according to St. Paul's word, written in his own hand. More importantly, it is the only letter entirely written by the saint to an individual.As mentioned several times lately, the Pauline letters are the product of a scribe or a follower of Paul who endeavored to pass on what Paul had taught before he died. In another letter Paul mentions that he has written some parts of the longer letters. The assumption is that a scribe served as a recording secretary.
Today Paul's words are to Philemon -- a very short letter. He is expressing his appreciation for the help given him by Onesimus, one of Philemon's slaves. In his letter of thanks Paul is encouraging Philemon to accept Onesimus back not as slave but as colleague.What this reading might suggest, in light of its history and the practice of the times -- writing letters ... so different from our times -- that we might take the time to actually write a letter or even send an email to someone who has helped us in one way or another ... simply as a surprise note. The wonderful result will be that two people will have a deepened sense of goodness: you, the sender and the recipient.
