(Memorial of St. Leo the Great)
PHILEMON 1: 7-20; PSALM 145; LUKE 17:20-25
In his letter to Philemon, St. Paul begged Philemon to accept Onesimus back—not as a slave, but as a brother. Philemon was a wealthy citizen of Colosse, and a prominent member of the church there; while Onesimus was an escaped slave of Philemon who met Saint Paul while in prison and was converted by him. The demands of Paul that Philemon should accept Onesimus as brother a challenges Philemon to demonstrate genuine Christian love, which breaks down barriers between slaves and free people.
We too equally have to break whatever barriers that exist amongst us. Despite our positions, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. This is emphasized by the Church in her prayers and celebrations. The call to live as brothers and sisters is a foretaste of the Kingdom of Heaven. Little wonder Jesus tells the Pharisees in today’s gospel that the kingdom has come yet they failed to realize it. Rather than living in love the Pharisees were searching for the signs of God’s kingdom. Beloved, we need to realize that living as brothers and sisters is the best sign of God’s kingdom here on earth.
The example of St. Leo the Great is given to us today as a further illustration. He was a pope and church father. One of the most distinguished kings to have ever sat on the throne of St. Peter, he goes by the surname “the Great.” The Council of Chalcedon (451) established during his pontificate that Christ is one divine person with two natures (divine and human).Pope Leo vigorously and passionately defended the unity of the Church. Without unity our massage is vain. Jesus says “If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples” (John 13:35).
LET US PRAY
O God, who never allow the gates of hell to prevail against your Church, firmly founded on the apostolic rock, grant her, we pray, that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo, she may stand firm in your truth and know the protection of lasting peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
