The WORD in Other Words by Fr Jose Caballes SVD (Philippines) Saturday Week 28 Ordinary Time, Rom 4:13, 16-18, Lk 12:8-12
The gospel tells us more about the role of the Holy Spirit. To the Jews the Holy Spirit tells us about spiritual things and makes us understand them. The Holy Spirit will remind us about the teachings of Christ and inspires us to live them in our daily life.
But this opportunity can be lost if we remain constantly deaf to His urgings and stirrings. As D.L. Moody reminds us, “You might as well try to hear without ears, or breathe without lungs, as try to live a Christian life without the Spirit of God in your heart” (Roy B. Zuck, The Speaker‘s Quote Book p.194). This is the sin against the Holy Spirit to which no forgiveness is possible. For how can one be forgiven if one does not realize that he/she is a sinner.
It‘s like a sick person that doesn‘t acknowledge that he/she is sick; this person has difficulty submitting him/herself to healing. Acknowledging the Son of Man is the work of the Holy Spirit, so also is the capacity to defend oneself before rulers and synagogues.
If the Holy Spirit is not recognized, then how can we confess that Jesus is Lord, and have the courage to face the challenges of being a Christian. The consequences can be very devastating which could mean a “denial” from Christ.
