Saving grace - October 23

In reading the Bible, with a goal of getting through the whole thing, it feels like an accomplishment to finish one book of the Good Book. If you read the appointed New Testament Epistle today, Philemon 1-25, you will do just that. It is the shortest Pauline letter, coming in at 335 words in Greek. While it is short, this text brings up a topic laden with layers of complexity: slavery in a Christian household. As such, the Letter of Paul to Philemon has been a source of disagreement and discussion around its purpose and application to Christian living.

As I sit and reflect on this text, several memories bubble up. Jane Patterson is a priest and New Testament scholar who recently retired from Seminary of the Southwest. She is one of my role models, and time in her class was challenging and enlightening. I recall one afternoon when she walked through this letter of Paul, exploring the intricacies of Greek words and the arc of content, so that we might connect with the deeper story at the heart of this communication.

What comes up for me in remembering that session is that Paul is appealing for Onesimus: “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me.” (v. 11) Onesimus is the Greek word for useful or beneficial. Because of the time spent with Paul and being mentored by him, perhaps this young man has returned to the spirit of his true self, and to that of his name. He has become useful again. And in this change akin to metamorphosis, Paul is releasing Onesimus to Philemon – in the hopes that Philemon will also release the young man. A release from the bondage of debt, blame, and even slavery.

Have you spent time with someone before who helped you return to your true self – or realize who God has made you to be? What a gift such people are to us. I think of my grandmother Margaret as one of these people. She had a gentle presence and brought such delight, with her mirthful chuckle and hopeful air. I loved getting to sit down on the sofa next to her when we would visit. She would ask me of the things I was learning, doing, and thinking about. Even when I was older, I would call her to catch up, and talking to her was easy. The world felt calmer and more beautiful at Grandmother Margaret’s house. Upon leaving, she would open the refrigerator in her garage and offer us a chilled canned soda. It was a gift for our departure.

As I wrap up this wandering reflection and connect back to today’s New Testament text, Paul was giving Onesimus a gift upon his departure: a clear path to restoration, reconciliation, and reception as a brother in Christ. Perhaps that path would lead to manumission – a release from captivity. We are not left with certainty of the outcome. The pieces of the puzzle do not offer closure. And yet, let us cling to the closing of Paul’s letter as we each return to our lives, that are also lacking in certainty and closure in all things: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

Who is someone who can convince you to change your mind? How do they do it – through reason, humor, kindness, or something else?

What is something in your life that is lacking closure?

Daily Challenge

Take fifteen minutes today (or whenever you read this reflection) to wander through Philemon. What is clear to you in this letter? What is murky? Sit in prayer for five minutes, giving thanks for clarity and asking for your eyes to be open to the puzzles that remain in life.