DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

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

Celebration: Ferial

Table of the Word

First Reading: Romans 8:1–11

Gospel: Luke 13:1–9

Theme: Rooted in God's Mercy, Bearing Fruit in Humility

Reflection

As the week draws to a close, today’s readings invite us to contemplate the transforming power of divine mercy, the mercy that frees, renews, and calls us to bear fruit in the Spirit.

In the First Reading, St. Paul proclaims one of the most liberating truths of the Christian faith: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1)

Here, Paul celebrates the victory of grace over guilt. Those who walk “according to the Spirit” live not under fear, but in the freedom of divine love. The Spirit liberates the believer from the tyranny of sin and death, making the heart a dwelling place of God. "...of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ will give life to your mortal bodies also.” (v. 11)

This is not mere future hope, it is present transformation. The same Spirit who raised Christ from the tomb is at work within us, renewing our hearts day by day.

On the other hand, in the Gospel pericope, Jesus shares the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6–9). A man, finding no fruit on his tree for three years, decides to cut it down. But the gardener intercedes: “Sir, leave it for one more year… I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.”

This parable reveals the tension between justice and mercy, judgment and patience. God’s holiness demands fruit, yet His mercy offers time and nourishment. The “extra year” symbolizes the grace of conversion the Lord’s ongoing invitation to turn and live.

The fig tree stands for each of us, and the gardener is Christ Himself, pleading for us before the Father, watering our lives with grace and nurturing us through His Word and sacraments.

But mercy must not be mistaken for indulgence. The time given is not infinite. The call is urgent: Repent and bear fruit while grace still speaks.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, we are being called to respond to grace now. Each day of our life is a new chance for conversion, do not delay. Let us allow the Spirit to cultivate us. Prayer, the Eucharist, and acts of charity are the soil where holiness grows.

Finally, let us bear visible fruit. True faith manifests in compassion, humility, and justice toward others.

Also be mindful of the fact that,  “God’s mercy digs where we are dry, waters where we are weary, and waits where we are slow, all to make us fruitful in love.”

+ Peace be with you.

© ARCHIVE 25102025