truth or consequences
"Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness." —Mark 3:28-29
The scribes claimed that Jesus had the power to drive out demons because He was possessed by the demon, Beelzebul (Mk 3:22, 30). Jesus responded that the scribes were in danger of committing the unforgivable sin: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Possibly, blasphemy against the Spirit involves not only saying something false but knowingly denying the truth. We may say false things because of confusion, ignorance, and impetuosity. This is wrong, but it is not necessarily mortal. But if we persist in knowingly denying the truth, we will gradually deny more and more of the truth because all truths are interrelated. By denying the truth, we will eventually deny the truth of our need for repentance and forgiveness. Thus, we will never repent and consequently never be forgiven.
"We cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth" (2 Cor 13:8). Let us be men and women of truth, for God is the Truth (Jn 14:6), Who sets us free (Jn 8:32).
Prayer: Father, may I never serve Satan, "the father of lies" (Jn 8:44).
Promise: "Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him." —Heb 9:28
Praise: St. Angela wrote: "Spiritual love is more powerful than the love that comes from a blood relationship."
Reference: (Presentation Ministries offers many Discipleship Retreats throughout the year. For a brochure and information on how you can be immersed in God's Word, the Sacraments, and Christian community through these retreats, call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend David L. Zink, June 12, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2002