Romans 4:13, 16-18
Psalm 105:6-7, 8-9, 42-43
Luke 12:8-12
Summary
"I tell you,” Jesus said, “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.”
Reflection
Perhaps because this passage is so strong and speaks in absolutes
my students have always wanted to know the reasons for such a
strong statement that there is
an unforgivable sin
.
When asked about this unforgivable sin, I would always say some-
thing like, “How do you talk to someone who lives in another coun-
try?” My students would answer by telephone of course.” And I
would say is there any other way to immediately communicate with
that person? They would say “no.” Then I asked, “what if there were
no telephone lines, cellular service, or satellites to make telephone
service?” They concluded that immediate communication would be
impossible. Then I would attempt to craft my meager metaphor that
the holy Spirit is like the telephone line. Without the telephone service
communication was impossible and it is through the holy Spirit that
communication, teaching, and forgiveness is possible. Inadequate as