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“Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter
will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy
Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting
sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” Mark
3:28–30
Consider the sobering reality of suffering the guilt of everlasting
sin. Though alarming and unpleasant, understanding this possibility
is foundational to a healthy spiritual life. This is best
illustrated in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of
Loyola, one of the co-founders of the Jesuits. The Spiritual
Exercises are considered one of the most transforming retreat
formats ever written. They guide spiritual directors who lead
retreatants through a thirty-day retreat, helping them experience
profound conversion and make major life decisions. The first week
of those exercises contains various meditations on the horror of
hell and the seriousness of one mortal sin.
Today’s Gospel is not only ideal for those beginning a thirty-day
retreat, but also for everyone serious about spiritual growth. On
our spiritual journey, we often must do that which is initially
difficult and unpleasant so as to reap the fruit of that exercise.
One such exercise is to meditate on our Lord’s words: “But whoever
blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but
is guilty of an everlasting sin.”
In commenting on this, the Catechism of the Catholic Church
states, “There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who
deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting, rejects the
forgiveness of his sins and the salvation offered by the Holy
Spirit. Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and
eternal loss” (#1864).
Traditionally, the sin this Gospel refers to has been called the
“Sin Against the Holy Spirit.” Saint Thomas Aquinas, in the
Summa Theologica (II-II, Question 14, Articles 1–3),
articulates six ways that one can be guilty of this sin:
Despair: rejecting God’s mercy and refusing to believe one’s sins
can be forgiven.Presumption: believing one can attain salvation
without grace or repentance.Impenitence: a refusal to repent for
past sins.Obstinacy: a hardened resolve to remain in sin.Resisting
the Known Truth: deliberately rejecting the truths of the faith to
justify sin.Envy of Another’s Grace: resenting the Holy Spirit’s
work in others.God alone knows the depths of our human heart and
comprehends our guilt or mitigating circumstances.
God alone is the perfect Judge. He judges with divine equity, His
perfect justice and mercy united as one.
Though God’s mercy is limitless, this does not mean that everyone
goes to Heaven. Recall Jesus’ teaching: “Enter through the narrow
gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to
destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow
the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who
find it are few” (Matthew 7:13–14).
The common thread in the ways Saint Thomas articulates this
“everlasting sin” is an obstinate refusal to see our sins in the
light of eternal Truth and then to repent and change. When properly
understood, attaining Heaven is easy! All we need to do is be
honest, turn from sin, and abandon ourselves to our loving
God—especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A thorough and
honest confession is a sure path through the narrow gate that leads
to eternal life.
Reflect today on the serious and consequential demands God places
on us. His generosity knows no bounds, but we must receive that
generosity on His terms. Ideally, today’s Gospel will inspire us
with the spiritual gift of Fear of the Lord. The perfection of this
gift is not a fear of punishment, but a deep reverence and love for
God that moves us to avoid anything that might offend Him. It
deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our resolve to
walk the narrow path. If you find yourself obstinate at times,
beware of the danger of that interior disposition.
Most merciful Lord, please free me from all obstinacy and help
me to see my sin as You see it. I repent of my sin and profess my
need for Your Divine Mercy. Please open the gate to that Mercy so
that I can be with You forever in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in
You.
Image: Spurzem - Lothar Spurzem, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE, via
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