Genesis 3:9–15; Psalm 129; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20–35
Today’s readings present us with some themes for reflection. They are: Christ’s family, blasphemy, discernment, and understanding. So, we are called to discern the truth, and reject blasphemy as members of Christ’s family.
Christ’s family: Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you” (Mark 3:31). This particular verse has been a subject of controversy among many believers. Some believe that Jesus had other siblings. According to the Commentary of the New Community Bible, in Jewish society, the word ‘brother’ does not necessarily mean ‘blood brothers’ or children of the same parents. Rather, it stands for various degrees of kinship: close relatives, members of the same clan or tribe, or even of the same people (Lev. 19:18); these ‘brothers’ of Jesus are at best called cousins today.
Apart from the above, the Bible also commented on a new dimension of relationship, called relationship by faith. This relationship exists in the kingdom that Christ has come to establish. In this kingdom, we are all brothers and sisters, one family of God, not only by means of blood but by obedience to God’s will. Consequently, Jesus told them, “Anyone who does the will of God, that person is my brother, sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:35). Adam and Evil were expelled from this family on account of disobedience; let’s do his will and remain in his family.
Blasphemy is another theme in today’s reading. Some teachers of the law accused Jesus of using the power of Beelzebul. In response, Jesus said that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Therefore, “people can be forgiven for all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin” (Mark 3:28–30).
Blasphemy is an eternal sin; it is the deliberate, blind-sided denigration of the work of the Spirit and the imposition of what was unquestionably divine on the devil. To blaspheme is to speak with disrespect about God. Blasphemy is also a verbal or written rebuke of God’s name, character, work, or attributes. It is a lack of reverence for sacred objects or things. Promulgating false doctrine, bearing false witness, and leading God’s people astray is also blasphemous (1 Tim 1:20).
Why is it called an “eternal sin?” Or why is there no forgiveness for this sin? No pardon, because only Jesus offers pardon (John 3:16). The response to the psalm today says, “With the Lord there is mercy, and in him is plentiful redemption.” Rejecting the redeemer leaves you without redemption, and rejecting the one and only pardon will make you unpardonable. You can’t attract what you reject. However, it’s not that there are unforgivable sins; rather, people can become so obstinate and closed up to forgiveness that they are unable to receive it. Hence, Jesus says in the gospel, “He who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (Luke 12:9). Christ’s denial is predicated on our denial.
Other themes today are understanding and discernment. It’s essential to understand and discern the work of God and the work of evil spirits. Jesus’ response to the teachers of the law in Mark 3:23–30 emphasises the importance of understanding and discernment in recognising the source of spiritual power. The first reading describes the battle between good and evil. In fact, the Bible says, “I will put enmity between your seed and her seed” (Gen. 3:15). We cannot distinguish between her seed and the devil’s seed if we lack discernment. Without discernment, we cannot understand that our trials are momentary afflictions; without discernment, we cannot explore the riches of eternal reward and its relevance (the Second Reading). Beloved, we need to discern.
Discernment is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth and maturity, enabling us to distinguish between the Virgin’s seed and the Serpent’s seed, God’s work and the Devil’s work. God’s work includes guidance, love, peace, liberation, and truth. While evil works include deception, manipulation, bondage, and lies, developing discernment requires spiritual maturity, biblical knowledge, prayerful seeking, and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. By cultivating discernment, we can recognise God’s presence and action in our lives, resist evil spirits’ influence and deception, make informed decisions aligned with God’s will, and grow in our faith and relationship with God.
Beloved, we are brothers, sisters, and children of God. Let us continue to discern his word and voice in the busy and noisy world of today. We are his witnesses; if we don’t bear true witnesses, we blaspheme; if we are not obedient to his will, we blaspheme. Therefore, let us resist the rebellious spirit so as to remain in his divine family.
Let us pray
O God, from whom all good things come, grant that we, who call on you in our need, may at your prompting discern what is right, and by your guidance do it. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
