DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 29TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR

Celebration: Ferial

Table of the Word

First Reading: Romans 7:18–25a

Gospel: Luke 12:54–59

Theme: Reading the Signs of Grace: A Call to Spiritual Discernment

Reflection

Today’s Word invites us to spiritual discernment the art of reading not only the signs of the times, but also the movements of grace within the human heart.

In the first reading, St. Paul speaks with deep honesty about the inner conflict every believer experiences:

 “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” (Rom. 7:19)

This is not hypocrisy but the drama of grace that the human heart caught between desire for holiness and the weakness of the flesh. Paul’s cry, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (v. 24), is not despair but the prelude to gratitude: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (v. 25)

Here lies the secret of Christian maturity: awareness of one’s frailty leads not to self-condemnation, but to dependence on divine mercy. It is in our weakness that grace proves its strength (cf. 2 Cor. 12:9).

In the Gospel pericope, Jesus rebukes the crowds for failing to discern the deeper realities of their time:

 “You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” (Luke 12:56)

They could predict the weather, yet missed the Messiah standing among them. Jesus’ words are both prophetic and personal: How often do we, too, discern external things trends, events, human opinions but neglect the voice of the Spirit within?

The Lord calls His followers to cultivate interior vision, a heart attuned to the divine rhythm of grace. This requires prayer, humility, and constant conversion.

To “settle with your opponent” before reaching the judge (v. 58) is a metaphor for reconciliation with God and neighbour before it is too late. The time for mercy is now. Every delay hardens the heart.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2846) has this to say: “Discernment unmasks the lie of temptation, whose object appears good, a ‘delight to the eyes,’ but whose fruit is death.”

Discernment, then, is the grace to recognize the difference between light and shadow, grace and self-will, truth and illusion.

And St. Augustine beautifully comments on this struggle in his Confessions: “The enemy held my will, and made of it a chain, binding me in my own desires. But You, Lord, broke the chain when I turned my gaze toward You.”

Dearest friends in Christ Jesus, let us examine our hearts daily. Ask: Where is God moving? Where am I resisting grace?

Finally, let us seek reconciliation quickly. Do not delay repentance or forgiveness, for mercy’s time is always now.

+ Peace be with you.

© ARCHIVE 24102025