Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus, Virgin & Doctor of the Church
We have one of Jesus’s more confusing statements in today’s gospel: “the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven” What does this mean? There have been two consistent explanations, and they are both valuable to reflect on.
The first explanation might be that to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is to deny God’s ability to forgive. In the power of the Holy Spirit, the priest offers absolution from sin, “and [God] has sent the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins.” How do we expect to be forgiven if we are unwilling to accept or acknowledge that sins can be forgiven? We must be willing to trust in God’s love for us and in the words offered in absolution; if we are sorry and confess, we are forgiven, period. We must trust that.
A second explanation might be that to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is to attribute to the Holy Spirit the work of Satan. How is that possible? It means that we might use the name of religion, faith, or God as a justification for oppression, manipulation, or violence. It might look like a person with authority in the Church using their position to harm rather than do good—we all know what this looks like. We can easily do it by judging others unfairly because we believe we somehow think we know God’s will or law perfectly.
Let us treat others with care, concern, and love and trust that God can and does forgive us.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections