THE BARREN FIG TREE
Dear Fellow Filipino Lawyers,
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As we navigate our vital roles in the pursuit of justice and service, I invite you to reflect on the parable of the barren fig tree from Luke 13:6-9. Jesus illustrates a profound truth about grace, patience, and the importance of bearing fruit in our lives and work.
In the parable, a man plants a fig tree in his vineyard, eagerly anticipating its fruit. After three years of waiting without results, he decides to cut it down. However, the gardener intercedes, asking for one more year to nurture the tree, hoping it will finally bear fruit.
This narrative resonates deeply in our current context, especially as we strive to serve the Filipino people in a society steeped in self-interest more than true empowerment and sustainable holistic development of Filipinos and our nation.
A Reflection on Our Calling
As lawyers, we are often seen as advocates for justice, navigating a system that can sometimes feel unforgiving and hopeless. The rich become richer while the rest of the population are being nurtured by the powers that be in a spirit of mendicancy and reliance on the regular dole-outs from the coffers of the nation. How then should we become agents of genuine change?
The fig tree represents each of us in our profession, called to bear fruit in service to our clients and communities. Just as the owner expected fruit, our society looks to us to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity. In this swiftly changing world of cancel culture where judgment can be swift, we must remember that grace is essential.
Empowered by God’s Spirit
The strength to produce fruit in our legal service comes not from our own abilities but from the empowerment of God’s Spirit within us. As we were created in His image, we carry within us the capacity for compassion, wisdom, and justice.
It is through His Spirit that we can embody the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This divine empowerment enables us to approach our work with integrity and a heart for service, transforming the legal landscape into a place of healing and hope.
The Power of Intercession
The gardener’s plea for the fig tree is a beautiful reminder of compassion. In our legal practice, we must embody this spirit of intercession. Every day, we encounter individuals who have made mistakes or find themselves in difficult situations.
Instead of rushing to judgment, let us approach these moments with understanding and a desire to nurture growth. Our role is not only to advocate but also to uplift those who seek our help, giving them the space to learn, heal, and improve.
Cultivating a Fruitful Practice
As we reflect on our responsibilities, let’s ask ourselves: Are we bearing the fruits of justice, empathy, and kindness in our work? Imagine the impact we could have if we approached our cases and clients with this mindset. Each act of kindness and each moment of patience can lead to a more just and compassionate society.
Serving with Compassion
​In the face of the cancel culture that is slowly permeating our society, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example. Instead of focusing solely on faults, let us champion the cause of restoration. Every client who walks through our doors is a person with hopes and dreams, often navigating the complexities of life’s challenges. By extending grace and understanding, we empower them to move forward, reinforcing the very values we stand for as lawyers.
A Vision of Hope
As we engage with the Filipino people, let’s remember the hope embodied in the parable. The fig tree, once deemed barren, is given another chance. This serves as a powerful reminder that redemption is always possible.
In our work, let’s be agents of hope, striving to create a legal landscape where everyone feels valued and heard.
​As Filipino lawyers, we have a special calling to uphold justice and help our communities thrive, guided by the Lawyer’s Code of Ethics. This code encourages us to act with integrity, diligence, and respect for the law, always putting our clients' and society’s needs first. We are not just here to defend individual rights; we also promote the common good, making sure our legal system empowers everyone equally. By committing to these principles, we take on the important responsibility of addressing societal issues and advocating for those who need it most. In doing so, we become agents of positive change, truly reflecting the spirit of service that defines our profession.
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Dear colleagues, the parable of the barren fig tree is a heartfelt invitation to embrace grace in our legal practice. As we serve the Filipino people, let’s be diligent gardeners, nurturing growth and fostering understanding. Together, empowered by the Spirit of God, we can transform our legal community into one that reflects the compassion and love of Christ. Let us bear fruit in service, ensuring that our impact is felt far beyond the courtroom, cultivating a legacy of justice and grace for generations to come.
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In the service of the Filipino people,
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JDC Gumpal​
