The Great Sin

Gospel: Mark 3: 22-30

The sin that cannot be forgiven is to attribute acts of good to the power of the evil one, which is to denigrate good itself.  Jesus' opponents will argue that he comes from the devil, that he casts out demons by the power of the devil himself.  It is this encounter that prompts Jesus to speak of the sin against the Holy Spirit, the unforgiveable sin.  His opponents see a person liberated from their demons, and somehow argue Jesus is evil.

The logic is irrational, but evil itself is irrational too.  Consider the evil of our times.  The killing of innocent people by law enforcement has been a constant reality in history.  Those who defend the innocent, who seek to uphold human dignity of immigrants, migrants, and refugees - these are regarded as evil by the world, even those who claim to be Christian and serve as pastors of people.  And when the protectors of the innocent are themselves killed, their opponents rejoice in the same way Jesus' opponents gloated over his demise.

Sadly, this unforgiveable sin is more common than we are led to believe.  The world is in the power of the evil one.  The dragon goes about searching to devour those who oppose it.  Many are led astray by false prophets and pastors who give themselves over to power and wealth.  Our recourse is in the desert, and when the time comes it is on the cross of martyrdom as well.