St. Onesimus was a slave who robbed his master and ran away to Rome. In Rome he went to see the great Apostle St. Paul, who was a prisoner for his Faith. Paul received Onesimus with fatherly love, made him realize he had done wrong, and converted him to the Faith.
After Onesimus’ conversion, St. Paul sent him back to his master, Philemon, who was the Apostle’s friend. He sent Philemon a letter, in which he wrote: “I plead with you for my own son, for Onesimus…. I am sending him back to you. Welcome him as though he were my very heart.”
Onesimus returned home and was set free. Later, he went back to St. Paul and became his faithful helper.
St. Paul made Onesimus a priest and then Bishop of Ephesus. During the persecutions, he was brought in chains to Rome and there stoned to death.
If we ever should hurt anyone in any way, let us ask forgiveness right away. God will be pleased to see that we are sorry and He will bless us as He did Onesimus.
