Twisted Logic

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr
Readings: Jude 17, 20b-25; Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6; Mk 11:27-33

Notes

Twisted Logic is not restricted to ancient times:

• Denying Conviction.
• Offering Unwarranted Exception.
• Using Power to Leverage.

Saint Justin, Martyr, Franciscan Reflection

As patron of philosophers, Justin may inspire us to use our natural powers—especially our power to know and understand—in the service of Christ, and to build up the Christian life within us. Since we are prone to error, especially in reference to the deep questions concerning life and existence, we should also be willing to correct and check our natural thinking in light of religious truth. Thus we will be able to say with the learned saints of the Church: I believe in order to understand, and I understand in order to believe.

Conclusion: Saint Justin reminds us to keep our natural powers in the service of Christ not for someone who sells Alliance, Advantage and Acquisition.

Reference: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-justin-martyr/

Summary

People struggle with the truth when it conflicts with their Alliance, Advantage and Acquisition. It is a reality that once we identify with a person as in a cult, we lose our ability to reason well. Look at the gospel portion today.

Jesus posed a riddle back to the leadership which is composed of two parts as a question: Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.”

1. Do you believe in Repentance – the message of John the Baptist? John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (MK 1:4).
2. Do you accept John’s witness of me? I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit (Mk 1:8).

They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”– they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”

By reasoning for the Alliance, Advantage and Acquisition, they lost their way. They closed themselves off from the truth.

Reflection

In today’s gospel portion we are confronted with our propensity to lie in order to perpetuate our advantage. As in the defending the criminality of a former president this is painfully obvious.

Many examples and many cases where the argument flows

• Did he do it? “We do not know.”
• Is he a criminal? “We do not know.”
• Does he lie hourly, daily? “We do not know.”
• Did he try to overtake the certification of the 2020 election? “We do not know.”
• These things and many more… “We do not know.”

You cut yourself off from the truth.

In our first reading today (The Exhortations of Jude modeled after the Apostles), we see a different approach.

• Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit.
• Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
• On those who waver, have mercy; save others by snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear.

Jesus is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished and exultant, in the presence of his glory, to the only God, our savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, power, and authority from ages past, now, and for ages to come. Amen.

Personal Reflection

Some sell a path of destruction using the currency of counterfeit faith in a most perverse way. They have so many hypnotized with the promises of Alliance, Advantage and Acquisition.

• They do not hold to the baptism of repentance.
• They do not live in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
• Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

First Reading

Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit.

Responsorial

My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Gospel Acclamation

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Gospel

“By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry