Monday, January 28, 2013, St. Thomas Aquinas
Hebrews 9:15, 24-28, Psalm 98:1-6, Mark 3:22-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012813.cfm
THE BORDER OF BLASPHEMY
"Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. He carries the guilt of his sin without end." -Mark 3:29
The scribes claimed that Jesus was possessed by a devil (Mk 3:30). This statement seems to be blasphemy against Jesus, but Jesus calls it blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mk 3:29). Blaspheming Jesus is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit bears witness on behalf of Jesus (Jn 15:26; 1 Jn 5:5-6; Rv 19:10). Therefore, if someone says Jesus is not Lord and God, they are saying the Holy Spirit, Who witnesses that Jesus is Lord and God (see 1 Cor 12:3), is not telling the truth and therefore isn't God either.
To avoid blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, we must do more than keep our mouths shut. In a world where millions deny Jesus' lordship and divinity, we "must bear witness as well" on behalf of Jesus (Jn 15:27). Otherwise, our silence will be deafening. By giving Jesus the "silent treatment," we become anti-witnesses and are in league with the blasphemers, if not blasphemers ourselves. If we let Him, the Holy Spirit will teach us on the spot how to witness for Jesus (Lk 12:12). If we refuse to learn, however, we border on blasphemy. Acknowledge Jesus before men and women (Lk 12:8). Publicly and vocally confess Jesus as Lord (Rm 10:9). Be with the Holy Spirit and not against Him.
Prayer: Father, may I speak out of the abundance of a purified heart (Lk 6:45).
Promise: "He will appear a second time not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him." -Heb 9:28
Praise: St. Thomas Aquinas loved the Word of God, both the written and living Word. He memorized many books of Scripture as a young adult.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2013 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment