The Unforgivable Sin

Gospel: Mark 3: 22-30

Investigators are sent from the fortress of the institutional religion to investigate this new phenomenon of Jesus' ministry, though the judgment has already been passed.  There will be illusions of "listening sessions" and observation, but the task of the investigator is to render a negative judgment in whatever way possible in order to protect the power and status of the institutional religion.  

So, they accuse Jesus of being possessed by a demon, a charge easily dismissed by observation and logic.  Jesus, however, cautions us all to avoid possession by the worst of all demons, the sin of hypocrisy that cannot be forgiven.  Hypocrisy cannot be forgiven because the person in its thralls can only see and condemn sin within others, but not themselves.  They have become such ardent apologists for their own way of doing things, their own institutions, that sin is overlooked within but seen everywhere without.  

Regular examination of conscience and participation in the sacrament of penance are important ways to avoid this demon of hypocrisy from entering our household.  A life of humble repentance and mercy extended outward to others are sure tonics to avoid this worst of all sins.