Grušas, who is also the president of the Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference and president of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, based his reflection on Luke 13: 1–9. “The Gospel we have just heard presents us with a difficult but necessary truth,” Grušas said. “People come to Jesus asking about suffering—about violence, about tragedy. And we recognize ourselves in them. We too ask: Why does this happen? Why suffering, why injustice, why instability in our world today?” But Jesus does not remain on the level of giving a simple explanation on the past, noted Grušas. “He shifts the question entirely. He says: ‘Unless you repent…’ This is not a threat. It is an invitation. An invitation to return to what is essential. An invitation to life.” Grušas reflected that, in the Baltic lands, this Gospel resonates deeply. "These are nations marked by history—by occupation, by suffering, by long years when faith had to survive under pressure. And yet, through that history, faith endured. Freedom was regained. A new chapter was opened.” But today, he continued, the question of the Gospel comes again—not about the past, but about the present: What are we doing with the gift we have received? What fruit is growing from the grace entrusted to us? “God gives time. God gives grace. God does not abandon. But this time is not indefinite. It is given so that something may grow—so that life may bear fruit,” said Grušas. “This word speaks not only to each of us personally. It speaks to the church. It speaks to all our churches together.” The Charta Oecumenica, a recently updated document of the churches in Europe, reminds us that the unity of Christians is not optional. “It is not a secondary concern. It belongs to the very heart of our witness. We are called not only to coexist, but to walk together—to grow together—to bear fruit together,” said Grušas. “In the Baltic context, this call takes on particular urgency. We live in societies that are searching—often silently—for meaning, for hope, for truth. We see the effects of secularization, fragmentation, and uncertainty. We also see new wounds emerging in our region and in the wider world. And in this moment, the Lord asks us: Will you bear fruit? Will your faith become visible? Will your unity become a sign?” It is precisely here that the call to mercy becomes central, noted Grušas, who reflected that mercy is a path toward unity, and a sign that the witness of Christians must be shared if it is to be credible in today’s world. “Mercy becomes a meeting place. A language that all Christians can speak. A mission that unites us,” he said. “May we, as Christian churches around the world, and especially here in the Baltic region, respond to this moment of grace—so that our lives, our communities, and our common witness may truly bear fruit.” This week, as part of the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle, we pray for the churches and people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The Week of Prayer for Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, Casteism, and all other forms of Discrimination is also being observed 19–25 March. Learn morte about the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle | 
