Gospel: LK 12:8-12
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JESUS said to His disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges Me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies Me before others will be denied before the angels of God.
“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
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Jesus minces no words when He says that salvation can be found in Him alone. Jesus promises to recognize in heaven those who acknowledge Him while on Earth. Jesus is the heavenly Father’s only begotten Son sent to the world to save mankind. He warns that those who malign the Son of Man will be forgiven, but not those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ pronouncement comes shortly after He casts out devils, and He is accused of working in connivance with the devil. One is guilty of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit whenever one refuses the light that God brings. One may know the truth but persistently refuse to accept it. Worse, the blasphemer may call truth falsehood.
Jesus presents the Holy Spirit as the disciples’ armor and their shield as they battle against persecutions launched by nonbelievers. The Holy Spirit will cover them with protection and will provide them the words to defend themselves before the authorities, their accusers.
No forgiveness can be given to the person who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit. How can one receive forgiveness from God when one refuses to acknowledge the Holy Spirit?
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2020,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
