1ST READING - Hebrews 9: 15.24-28
GOSPEL READING - Mark 3:22-30
In Catholic understanding, "blasphemy" against the Holy Spirit isn't merely speaking disrespectfully about the Spirit but rather involves a willful, persistent rejection of God's grace and mercy...
1. Despair - Losing hope in God's mercy and doubting that He can forgive sins.
2. Presumption - Assuming one can obtain forgiveness without repentance or that salvation is guaranteed regardless of one's actions.
3. Envy of another's spiritual good - Resenting the graces or spiritual growth given to others.
4. Obstinacy in sin - Persisting in sin despite knowing it is wrong and having been corrected.
5. Final impenitence - Refusing to repent or accept God's mercy even at the point of death.
6. Deliberate resistance to the known truth - Rejecting the truths of faith, even when they are understood and recognized.
These sins are unforgivable not because God is unwilling to forgive, but because the person has so completely closed themselves off to repentance that they are no longer able to receive God's grace...
These sins are considered so serious because they involve a willful rejection of the Holy Spirit's work in the soul, particularly His actions in leading individuals to repentance and faith.
However, Catholic teaching emphasizes that God's mercy is always available as long as one repents sincerely