GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 23RD JANUARY 2017
MONDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
FIRST READING: Hebrews 9:15, 24-28
PSALM: Psalm 98:1-6
GOSPEL: Mark 3:22-30
THEME:THE SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT
Momentary lapse of reason can make us say or do all kinds of wrong things. It may happen that in a fit of anger, frustration or anguish we may blurt out some unpleasant words and then, later when we come back to our senses, retract them and make amends. However, when a person or group of persons continuously and systematically oppose everything you do, in words and actions, then it is no longer an ordinary expression of human weakness; it is a malicious decision.
There were many who misunderstood the person and ministry of Jesus. For example, in the verses that precede today’s text, we read that his relatives said of him, “He is out of his mind” and went out to take custody of him (Mk. 3:21). However, the statement by the scribes in today’s Gospel text was no mere misunderstanding or insult; it was a vocal expression of their total rejection of Jesus Christ – “He is possessed by Beelzebul, and by the prince of demons he casts out the demons” (Mk. 3:22). Throughout His ministry, these men opposed him in diverse ways. In response to their diabolic castigations, Jesus tells them, “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” (Mk. 3:29).
To reject the One who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit is to reject one’s own salvation. To refuse to hold on to Jesus, the anchor in the face of turbulent waters, is to risk drowning. The sin against the Holy Spirit is a rejection of the action of the Holy Spirit in the person and ministry of Jesus. Such gross mark of faithlessness only leads to perdition.
May we never at any point in life’s journey turn our backs towards Jesus. Rather, may we continually open our hearts to Him that we may be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are at work in our world and your presence brings life to creation. In your loving-kindness, deliver me from rejecting you and thereby sinning against the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).