Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops
Readings: 2 Timothy 1:1-8; Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10; Mark 3:22-30
Summary
Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them (Mk 3:28). But..
Reflection
In our gospel portion today, the scribes came and made a specific, malicious accusation designed to discredit Jesus’s miracles by attributing his power to Satan (Beelzebul) rather than God (Gemini deep dive). It is blasphemy—and dangerously close to the sin against the Holy Spirit—but not yet beyond repentance.” The reason is simple.
Warning the scribes directly of the sin against the Holy Spirit is of no use if the sin is already committed.
Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? (Mk 3:23).
Instead Jesus explains to the them the logic and rational of holiness and the nature of resisting holiness. He wants them to be saved too!
Jesus is pointing out their pious platitude – a religious-sounding phrase used to end a conversation or avoid facing an uncomfortable truth. The uncomfortable truth is Jesus is dispensing, in his person, the healing power of God – even if Jesus challenges them in their self-righteousness.
Paul expands Jesus’ explanation
For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control (2 Tim 1:6-7).
Personal Reflection
While the stories today of the Blasphemy of the Scribes and Jesus and Beelzebul has a terrifying possibility, Jesus uses the encounter to provide for conversion. He seems to say, you have not yet … but are in danger of … and you need to correct yourself to prevent …
Pious platitudes and habitual rejection of God’s love and actions is a pathway of self-destruction. What is our attitude toward God? On a sliding scale we can evaluate our own misunderstandings and trajectory. Remember, airplane pilots: In aviation, attitude determines everything—whether one soars or descends. So it is with the soul.
Let us always meter our attitude.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012626.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry