RBWords

     There is an old expression, "There are none so blind as those who will not see!"  This expression can help us to understand the words above from the Gospel of Luke.  We have to remember that the context is that of warning and consoling.  The disciples (and the community to which Luke addressed the gospel) are warned that they can expect persecution but that the Holy Spirit would be with them in their trials.  During Jesus own lifetime, there would be people who could not accept him at first or would deny him on an individual basis and would be forgiven for this.  The best example is the apostle Peter!  However, the disciples are warned about those who simply "harden" their hearts against the Holy Spirit that would guide the faithful in the years ahead.  These people are not open to God or God's mercy and forgiveness because they consistently remain opposed.

     The church does not control God's forgiveness.  It is a means by which God can forgive through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but God has ways of forgiving that we may not know.  We don't like to think of "the unforgivable sin" as if God would turn away someone who truly repents.  This is not what the passage from Luke means.  All humans will be held responsible for their own actions, and a consistent moral or theological blindness is a choice that is open to us.  Jesus warns us that this can happen and may sadden and discourage us, but we are to continue in the face of opposition and persecution with the assurance that the Holy Spirit will guide and comfort us.  AMEN