TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — Year C
Second Reading: Philemon 9-10, 12-17
A reading from the letter of Paul to Philemon.
I prefer to appeal in the name of love. Yes, I, Paul, ambassador and now a prisoner for Christ, appeal to you for my child, whom I have begotten during my imprisonment. It is this one I am sending you – and that means that I am sending back my heart.
I had wanted to keep him with me, that he might serve me in your place while I am in prison for the gospel; but I did not want to do anything without your consent, that kindness might not be forced on you, but might be freely bestowed. Perhaps he was separated from you for awhile for this reason: that you might possess him forever, no longer as a slave, but as more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially dear to me; and how much more to you, since now you will know him both as a person and as one belonging to God. If you regard me as a partner, welcome this one as you would me.
The Word of God recorded in the letter of Paul to Philemon.