DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

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

Celebration: Ferial

Table of the Word

First Reading: Romans 8:12–17

Gospel: Luke 13:10–17

Theme: The Spirit of Freedom: Standing Upright in God’s Grace.

Reflection

Today is Monday of the 30th week in Ordinary Time of the year. From the Table of the Word we are being reminded that to live in Christ is to live freely as children of God, liberated from the slavery of fear and sin. The Holy Spirit does not enslave but empowers, transforming us from trembling servants into beloved sons and daughters. As St. Paul in the first reading writes: “You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through which we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Romans 8:15)

The apostle reveals the intimate nature of Christian life: we are not mere followers bound by law, but children embraced by love. The Spirit of adoption changes everything, our identity, our purpose, and even our posture before God. No longer bowed down by guilt, we stand upright in grace, confident yet humble, free yet faithful.

In today's Gospel pericope, Jesus heals a woman bent over for eighteen years (cf. Luke 13:10–17). The physical healing mirrors the spiritual liberation St. Paul speaks of. Bent beneath the burden of her affliction, she could not look up, a symbol of the human soul weighed down by sin, shame, or oppression.

When Jesus calls her and says, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity,” He not only straightens her body but restores her dignity. She, who had been ignored and looked down upon, now stands upright, praising God.

This miracle unfolds on the Sabbath - a day meant for rest and renewal - yet the synagogue leader reacts with indignation. Jesus’ response is both sharp and tender: “Ought not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be set free on the Sabbath day?” (v. 16)

Here, Christ reveals that true worship is mercy and true Sabbath is freedom. God’s rest is not idleness but restoration. The Lord of the Sabbath desires not empty ritual, but hearts renewed by compassion and justice. 

That is why the Church in her teaching  says: “Freedom attains its perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude. The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes.” (The Catechism of the Catholic Church No.1742)

Thus, Christian freedom is not license but liberation for love - the freedom to do good, to forgive, to rise, and to serve. St. Augustine on the other hand  beautifully remarks: “Love God and do what you will, for the heart set on love cannot choose what displeases Him.”

However, as Christ's faithful we are called to live as  children, not as slave. To replace fear with trust; pray “Abba” with a heart of belonging.

Finally, let Christ straighten our spirit, and  bring our hidden burdens to Him fir He desires to lift us up.

+ Peace be with you.

© ARCHIVE 27102025