REFLECTION:
This week we saw how Jesus found opposition from the leaders of the Jews.
We conclude this week with Jesus asking his disciples to be faithful to him even unto death. Refusing to acknowledge him as Lord is formula for damnation.
The sin of slander against the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Gospel is denying Jesus as Lord and Savior.
It is a sin that cannot be pardoned for it is refusal to acknowledge the need for the Savior.
St. Ignatius of Antioch (107+) was a martyr of the early church who acknowledged Jesus as Lord and Savior.
He wrote some letters exhorting Christians to remain faithful and not to be afraid of the rulers of this world.
He testified to the power of Jesus Christ who is “far above all rule, power, authority, dominion” whether of this world or of the underworld.
He encouraged them to remain faithful to the Bishop of Rome and be true Catholics.
In our world today there are forces that demand that we give up what we believe in,
to compromise our moral principles, to adopt secular values. It is a time to become confident in the truth we confess,
to be Catholic not only in name but in practice.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020