22 January 2024 | Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

 Reading 1 :  2 Sm 5:1-7, 10

Gospel Mk 3:22-30

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus,

"He is possessed by Beelzebul," and

"By the prince of demons he drives out demons."

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables,

"How can Satan drive out Satan?
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
And if a house is divided against itself,
that house will not be able to stand.
And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided,
he cannot stand;
that is the end of him.
But no one can enter a strong man's house to plunder his property
unless he first ties up the strong man.
Then he can plunder his house.  
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."

For they had said, "He has an unclean spirit."

Reflections:

Jesus points out that attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan is a grave sin. It indicates hard-heartedness and a refusal to acknowledge God's work in the world. The Holy Spirit is the agent of God's power and presence, working to convict, transform, and guide believers. Jesus assures that people can be forgiven for their sins and even slanderous words they may speak or might have spoken. But blaspheming against the Holy Spirit is an eternal sin, carrying a severe consequence. It invites us the need for humility, openness, and receptiveness to the work of the Holy Spirit. It calls us to be cautious and respectful in our words and attitudes towards the Holy Spirit and His work.

Activity: 

Strive to cultivate a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, ask for guidance,  ask for protection from  words against blaspheming the work of God's Spirit.

Christian Unity Week Day 5

Theme and Scripture Text: He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. (Lk 10:34)