I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. "Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say." (Lk 12:8-12)
Today’s reading speaks about acknowledging, denying, speaking against, blaspheming etc. All these words seem to have a shade of meaning on loyalty or belongingness. In the Old Testament, the relationship between God and the people of Israel was founded on covenant relationship. Loyalty was the basis on which this relationship was built.
Anyone who sees the work of Jesus and denies or misunderstands him may be forgiven because he may repent and realize the truth afterwards. But anyone who denounces the work of the Holy Spirit is cut off and he will not benefit from that work.
Loyalty is required from disciples. Today’s reading is a challenge to all casual, half-hearted, relaxed disciples (Christianity). God knows and cares about the smallest details of our lives. God wants dedicated and single-minded discipleship.
