εὐαγγελίζω (euaggelizo)
“to announce the Good News of victory in battle”
“to announce the Good News of victory in battle”
“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,
but is guilty of an everlasting sin.””
all sins and all blasphemies that people utter
will be forgiven them.
But whoever blasphemes against the holy Spirit
will never have forgiveness,
but is guilty of an everlasting sin.””
Mark 3:28-29.
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
θεωρέω (theoreo)
(“to perceive, discover, ponder a deeper meaning”)
(“to perceive, discover, ponder a deeper meaning”)
His initial presentation to people seemed at times a bit gruff, some might say a bit of a curmudgeon who lived a lonely life as a widower. He took short walks throughout the neighborhood, occasionally exchanging a word or two, but no more. He was a faithful fixture at the parish’s first Mass each Sunday and on the rare occasion of a conspicuous absence, one knew that Jim was not feeling well but invariably bounced back a week later.
During a particular Lent-Easter Times, the parish offered an opportunity to study, to reflect and to pray with the Gospel of Mark. A good number of parishioners came to the evening sessions, including Jim. While cordial, Jim's mono-syllabic response to people's inquiry about his day, his health, and/or how things were going did not spur or engage any extended conversation.
The weekly gatherings were prepared with much enthusiasm. A number devoted themselves to matters of hospitality, others provided room decor and arrangement while others worked on reviewing the presenter’s presentation and reflection questions. The evenings began to unfold on a good note with many taking diligent notes, listening attentively and asking probing questions. Every once in a while though, there was a dour grunt emanating from the back of the room where Jim sat with arms crossed and a rather scowling countenance. It did not take long for the grunts to morph into questions and comments that eventually dominated (actually, interrupted) an evening’s gathering. Jim had become more than ornery. Comments from participants attempted to smooth what was becoming a tense atmosphere in the room with Jim speaking over people and attacking statements without any logic or support. Finally, one of the parishioners asked Jim in a kind tone, ‘Since you seem to be unhappy with the presentation and discussion, why are you coming each week?’ To his credit, Jim paused and looked the parishioner squarely in the eye. His lips began to quiver and tears started to flow down his cheek, “You want to know why I come?” he stated emphatically. The parishioner replied in an even kinder tone, “If you want to tell me, I would be delighted to know.” Jim paused again and then said, ‘I committed the sin against the Holy Spirit and I am here to learn how I can be forgiven even though the Bible says I can not be forgiven. That’s why I am here and I want an answer.’ Silence enveloped the room, a hushed “Wow” escaped the lips of some and tears streamed on the faces of others. The silence provided a time and space for a moment prayer to the same Holy Spirit and time to deep-six quickly the outline, notes and plan for the evening.
Jim wiped the tears from his cheeks, uncrossed his arms and relaxed in the chair. Then with a hint of a smile on his face and a chuckle in his voice, he looked at me and said, “I am waiting for an answer and I promised I will not interrupt. Ask me anything you want - I am 84 years old, I have nothing to hide and I know I do not have much time left on Earth. I need to be forgiven for this sin.” This was, obviously, a public setting and I wanted to respect Jim’s privacy. So with some open-ended questions posed not only to Jim but to all, I inquired why he was convinced he had committed this sin (blasphemy against Holy Spirit) as described in Mark 3:20-35. Jim acknowledged that doubts over the years about a number of elements of Jesus’ life and teachings plagued him. Fellow parishioners immediately chimed-in echoing Jim’s words and added that they did not think that doubting equated to blasphemy against Holy Spirit. One parishioner, one who checked-in on Jim at home asked, “Jim, you are at Mass every Sunday. Why do you go?” “I want to be with God and Mass is the most special way for that to happen,” he said emphatically and without missing a beat. The parishioner went on to say, with confidence born of Holy Spirit, ‘if you committed blasphemy against Holy Spirit, you would NOT want to be with God.’ Then turning to me, the parishioner asked, “That is correct, isn't it?” The parishioner was spot on and correct resulting in a resounding “Amen” from the group. Jim said he felt very relieved and then apologized for being so difficult. The following week, Jim was not only present, but sat up front with a small memo book, a beaming face and a Fritz pound cake for the group (Philly folks know it to be the best in the area!)
Almost 40 years later, that episode with Jim is as real as the evening it happened. It is etched into my memory. I think of him often, particularly as I have met many people throughout the years asking questions similar to those of Jim concerning blasphemy against Holy Spirit. They are people who take seriously the walk with Jesus and the desire to live as a good citizen of His Father's Kingdom. Yet the Words of Jesus concerning blasphemy stop these believers dead in their tracks and spark much thought. So it is more than helpful to explore Jesus’ teaching on this matter.
Jim wiped the tears from his cheeks, uncrossed his arms and relaxed in the chair. Then with a hint of a smile on his face and a chuckle in his voice, he looked at me and said, “I am waiting for an answer and I promised I will not interrupt. Ask me anything you want - I am 84 years old, I have nothing to hide and I know I do not have much time left on Earth. I need to be forgiven for this sin.” This was, obviously, a public setting and I wanted to respect Jim’s privacy. So with some open-ended questions posed not only to Jim but to all, I inquired why he was convinced he had committed this sin (blasphemy against Holy Spirit) as described in Mark 3:20-35. Jim acknowledged that doubts over the years about a number of elements of Jesus’ life and teachings plagued him. Fellow parishioners immediately chimed-in echoing Jim’s words and added that they did not think that doubting equated to blasphemy against Holy Spirit. One parishioner, one who checked-in on Jim at home asked, “Jim, you are at Mass every Sunday. Why do you go?” “I want to be with God and Mass is the most special way for that to happen,” he said emphatically and without missing a beat. The parishioner went on to say, with confidence born of Holy Spirit, ‘if you committed blasphemy against Holy Spirit, you would NOT want to be with God.’ Then turning to me, the parishioner asked, “That is correct, isn't it?” The parishioner was spot on and correct resulting in a resounding “Amen” from the group. Jim said he felt very relieved and then apologized for being so difficult. The following week, Jim was not only present, but sat up front with a small memo book, a beaming face and a Fritz pound cake for the group (Philly folks know it to be the best in the area!)
Almost 40 years later, that episode with Jim is as real as the evening it happened. It is etched into my memory. I think of him often, particularly as I have met many people throughout the years asking questions similar to those of Jim concerning blasphemy against Holy Spirit. They are people who take seriously the walk with Jesus and the desire to live as a good citizen of His Father's Kingdom. Yet the Words of Jesus concerning blasphemy stop these believers dead in their tracks and spark much thought. So it is more than helpful to explore Jesus’ teaching on this matter.
Blasphemes is a translation of the Greek verb βλασφημέω (blasphemeo). In antiquity, βλασφημέω (blasphemeo) described a number of actions such as ‘to speak evil about another,’ ‘to defame,’ or ‘to speak slanderously about another.’ Some Greek linguists contend that βλασφημέω (blasphemeo) was formed from 2 Greek words that essentially refer to ‘a report about another that hinders relational living.’ When the Old Testament was translated into Greek, βλασφημέω (blasphemeo) was the word used to describe a number of Hebrew verbs that expressed ‘human arrogance or pride towards God,’ ‘disputing or denying the power of God as inferior to human power or the human will,’ and ‘not honoring the holiness of God’ - all of which constituted serious violations of the Torah. As the Saint Mark records, Jesus’ use of the term is even more serious as the action involves a relationship with a Divine Person, Holy Spirit. Blasphemy against Holy Spirit is a deliberate refusal to accept the Father’s mercy through the working of Holy Spirit Who desires to form one to accept the gift of salvation through a life that is open to ongoing and daily conversion. (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1864) This sin-of-sins begins as an attitude or stance that a person embraces freely and at the same time consciously knowing Father-Son-Holy Spirit to the source of life - and with that knowledge, freely rejects any and all Divine invitations.
Jim came to know that he did not commit blasphemy against Holy Spirit, and that brought him great joy. Yet as our gatherings unfolded over time, Jim insightfully pointed from our study of the Gospel according to Saint Mark that a disciple must respond daily to Jesus to avoid developing a hard-heart. Pride, arrogance, self-sufficiency are dangers to dodge because they prevent, by their very nature, a loving response to salvation offered by the Divine Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Jim came to know that he did not commit blasphemy against Holy Spirit, and that brought him great joy. Yet as our gatherings unfolded over time, Jim insightfully pointed from our study of the Gospel according to Saint Mark that a disciple must respond daily to Jesus to avoid developing a hard-heart. Pride, arrogance, self-sufficiency are dangers to dodge because they prevent, by their very nature, a loving response to salvation offered by the Divine Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
