Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
Before you begin: Please read the Introduction — How to Practice the Gospel Exercises
Reflection on (Luke 12:10; Matthew 12:24–32; Matthew 21:25)
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I ask You to protect my heart from pride and hardness. Teach me always to seek the truth, even when it is uncomfortable, and give me the courage to accept Your work. Open my eyes so that, in Christ, I may recognize God’s power and love.
Amen.
Reflection
Jesus speaks serious words in Luke 12:10: “And 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.” Why is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit so grave?
In this context, blasphemy does not mean merely an insulting word. It is a conscious, stubborn, hardened rejection of the Holy Spirit—who brings truth, leads us to repentance, and gives new light. It is not a sign of weakness or doubt, but a proud attitude of the heart that sees God’s work and yet rejects it, or even attributes it to evil.
This is exactly what happened when the Pharisees said that Jesus cast out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24–32). Jesus pointed out the illogic of their claim: “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste.” Then He added: “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Yet instead of receiving the truth, they chose pride and defended their own position.
In Matthew 21:25, Jesus also exposes their hardened hearts with His question about John’s baptism: “Was it from heaven or from man?” It becomes clear that they were not seeking truth, but only what was convenient for them.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is therefore like someone standing in sunlight, covering their eyes, and insisting that it is dark. The Holy Spirit is the One who brings repentance, calls us to conversion, and reveals the truth. Whoever knowingly rejects Him closes themselves off from forgiveness—not because God is unwilling to forgive, but because the person refuses to receive the One who brings forgiveness.
These words are not meant to produce fear in us, but to keep us alert. They warn us against pride, against defending our ego, and against prejudices that close the heart to God. The call is to remain open to the Holy Spirit—in Christ, in the Word, and in the witness of our brothers and sisters.
Discernment
Where in my life do I risk closing my eyes to the work of the Holy Spirit? Are there situations where, out of fear, pride, or prejudice, I do not want to accept the truth—even though I sense it in my heart?
Let me recall moments when I questioned something good simply because it did not come in the way I expected, or when I rejected a correction that could have helped me grow. Is there a danger that I defend “my truth” more than I seek God’s truth?
In prayer, let me ask the Holy Spirit for humility and courage to accept His light—so that, instead of stubborn resistance, I choose openness and a willingness to be transformed.
Resolution
In the coming week, pay attention to situations where you feel inclined to reject something that may be God’s voice—through Scripture, prayer, a brother, or a sister. Choose not to judge prematurely, but to examine humbly whether the Holy Spirit may be at work there. Learn to respond not with defiance, but with openness.
Prayer
Our Father…