Holy Martyr Andrew the General and those with him (286-305)
2 Corinthians 10:7-18; Mark 3:28-35
Post-feast of the Dormition
Read Mark 3:28-35
Today’s words directed towards the Jewish authorities are shocking especially to the western ear. We often portray Jesus as a friendly, loving, all embracing and tolerant preacher. Yes, he preached love and forgiveness, but he required repentance. St. Augustine says, “it is unrepentance that is a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.” (Sermon 71.12.20). The denial and the turning away from that which is Good, True and Beautiful: God. Or even worse, naming that which is Good to be evil. As the scribes accused Jesus, who was working healings by the power of the Holy Spirit, of casting out demons by the power of demons.
St. John Chrysostom says, “they might have been ignorant of Jesus and who he might be, but of the Spirit they could not be ignorant due to their own previous experiences. For the prophets had spoken by the Spirit.” (The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 41.3). We know that some who were sceptical or even antagonistic toward Jesus during his three years of ministry converted and repented to the faith after his resurrection: “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:7). This means that they repented and were forgiven. Those who repent and are baptised, and do not fall into apostasy—that is the denial of Christ and the turning away from the faith—will receive forgiveness in this life and in eternity. Those who refuse will not be forced to receive forgiveness because God does not beat people over the head with it, but rather invites all to receive forgiveness through repentance.