Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 24th January
Message from Fr Paul for Monday, 24th January 2022
Today the Church remembers St Francis de Sales, who was born two months prematurely in Savoy in 1567 and died in Lyon in 1622. He was consecrated Bishop of Geneva in 1602, but was unable to take up residence there as the city was controlled by the Calvinists. He resided at Annecy some twenty miles south. He was a very effective preacher, keeping his sermons short and to the point, avoiding controversy and making himself understood even to unlearned peasants and children. He was greatly loved by all and respected even by his protestant enemies. Although born into a rich family, he did not seek wealth or privilege, but lived the simple life of a religious or country priest. His writings, even in translation, are well worth reading and are truly helpful. He is a Doctor of the Church.
---
Our Gospel passage today comes from Mark, (Mk 3: 22-30), and presents us with the scribes, who have come all the way from Jerusalem to argue with Jesus and accuse him of working miracles through the power of the devil, “’Beelzebul is in him’ and, ‘It is through the prince of devils that he casts devils out.’” Jesus doesn’t ignore them, nor does he run away from controversy, rather he engages with them and tries convincing them using parables, but their ears are closed shut to his words. They refuse to listen and continue accusing him of working through Satan’s power. He concludes his fruitless discussion with them by saying, “‘I tell you solemnly, all men’s sins will be forgiven, and all their blasphemies; but let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness: he is guilty of an eternal sin.’ This was because they were saying, ‘An unclean spirit is in him.’” He accuses the scribes of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, the only sin that cannot be forgiven, to speak ill against the truth and will of God. Their saying that Jesus has an unclean spirit in him is to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, for God is in Christ, who has come to vanquish all evil and sin.
Lord, we pray today that your Holy Spirit will always be with us to guide us in all that we think, do and say. We ask that the Spirit will guide and protect all those taking part in the Synod, that the Synodal Way be according to the mind of God, as we seek to do his will. We also pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us in our ecumenical endeavours, not only in this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, but always. May we be messengers of the truth, always faithful to God and to his Christ, Amen.
