Gospel Reflection for the 27th day of March in the year of our Lord, 2025
Luke 11:14-23
14 And he was casting out a devil, and the same was dumb: and when he had cast out the devil, the dumb spoke: and the multitudes were in admiration at it: 15 But some of them said: He casteth out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils.
16 And others tempting, asked of him a sign from heaven. 17 But he seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself, shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house shall fall. 18 And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because you say, that through Beelzebub I cast out devils. 19 Now if I cast out devils by Beelzebub; by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 20 But if I by the finger of God cast out devils; doubtless the kingdom of God is come upon you.
21 When a strong man armed keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth. 22 But if a stronger than he come upon him, and overcome him; he will take away all his armour wherein he trusted, and will distribute his spoils. 23 He that is not with me, is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth.
Here we have the “unforgivable sin.” This is often misunderstood. It is a sin against the Holy Spirit to attribute to evil the power of God. The reason it is unforgivable is that in this sin, a person denies the power of God and refuses the blessings of God. This sin is not unforgivable because it is so offensive to God, which it is, but because one who truly believes such error is unable to repent. Certainly, if they later realized that they were wrong, they could repent and seek forgiveness. But, in that moment they are both opposed to God and unable to repent of their sin. If they continue in this sin, there is no hope of repentance or forgiveness.
Another sin against the Holy Spirit which may help us understand the nature of such sins is that of presumption. Very often, we commit the sin of presumption when we assume that God will forgive our sins or minimize the gravity of sin. People say such things as, “God will understand.” Even worse is the common response to homosexuality that states, “I was born this way and God will not judge me.” But frankly, even that is not as bad as the Protestant heresy of “Once saved, always saved,” that teaches once a person has accepted Christ as savior, nothing he or she can do will prevent salvation. It is said that Martin Luther went so far as to encourage his followers to sin boldly, committing even adultery and murder! Whether those words came directly from his pen or from his students who summarized his teachings, it is clear that Luther taught that sin was of no consequence to the Christian.
Why is this a more grave sin than others? Well, first of all, Christians are supposed to follow the teachings of Christ and His Apostles whose words in the Bible warn against the consequences of sin. Jesus makes clear that salvation can be lost in each of the Gospels. In this one, He speaks of the unforgivable sin and if any sin is by definition unforgivable, then such Protestant doctrines cannot be true. Moreover, Christians believe that Jesus is God. God cannot be wrong or lie. To believe the opposite of what Jesus taught to be true is extreme presumption and a denial of the divinity of Christ. Those are the ones who “scatter” by teaching doctrines other than those of Christ and His Church.
If we hold any views or adopt any doctrines that differ from the Bible and the teaching of the Catholic Church, we sin against the Holy Spirit. During Lent, we should make a thorough examination of conscience and read the Catechism so that we may repent of such sin and go to Confession while there is still time. Protestants may be forgiven due to their ignorance of valid doctrine – that is up to God. We are held to a much higher standard because we have the fullness of the Truth. So called, “cafeteria Catholics” are in grave danger of committing mortal sin which will only be compounded should they receive the Eucharist without repentance. But truly, as Jesus said, “All have sinned.”
**** 2nd Annual Lenten Book Giveaway! ***
As a means of giving alms for Lent, I would like to offer my listeners and readers one free eBook. Simply email me at judson@judsoncarroll.com and tell me which one you would like. I will send it to you as a .pdf. The entire list of 15 books can be viewed here:
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and
Please feel free to share this offer with friends and family. I would like to give away a lot of books! The offer will end on Thursday April 17.
May God bless each of you,
Judson Carroll
Judson Carroll is the author of several books, including his newest, A Daily Catholic Devotional, Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings January-June, 2025 It is Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3M1WDZ
and
Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith. It is also Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK
His new podcast is The Uncensored Catholic https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-uncensored-catholic