A reading from the gospel according to Luke 12:8-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
8 “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.
9 But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.
10 “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.
11 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.
12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
Reflection: Do not worry.
Good News: The Holy Spirit will teach you.
Four points for reflection:
A) Acknowledging and denying Jesus
When we are in a relationship with another person, we should be proud of it. Otherwise, it is not a real or honest relationship like some people who hide their relationship for some reasons. That is why, when we develop a relationship with Jesus, we should be proud and tell the whole world about it. We should not be ashamed to introduce Him to other people. We should not be ashamed or afraid to pray to him even in the presence of other people. Not that we are bragging or doing it for show but there are some instances when we need to pray in public.
B) Unforgivable sins
The Holy Spirit is our Advocate (John 4:26) who gives us many gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) and who is with us always (Luke 14:16-17). When people themselves refuse these gifts, become obstinately unrepentant and deliberately choose to worship the devil, they commit an unforgivable sin. When they turn away from God with full liberty, deny Him and mock Him, how can they be forgiven? God forgives us only when we humble ourselves, repent and ask forgiveness.
C) Worrying what to say
Jesus tells His disciples not to worry about what other people will say or do about them. To give testimony about one’s faith is often times not easy. It takes great courage to preach or share the Word of God especially in places which are hostile to other religions. That is why, He promised His full assistance through the Holy Spirit. Even in the Old Testament, it was God who put words into the mouth of the prophets, (see Exodus 4:12, Deuteronomy 18:18, Isaiah 51:16, Jeremiah 1:10).
D) Empowerment from Jesus
Let us recall that when Jesus sent out His disciples, He gave them power and authority. This power and authority include the power of words backed up with power to perform miracles. Moreover, in Matthew 28:20, He promised to be with His disciples until the end of time. Thus, those who are called to witness for Him need not worry about what to say. His presence is sufficient enough to overcome any obstacle. They will surely meet opposition, receive ridicule and experience persecution but the reward is eternal life.
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Jesus speaks to His disciples about the importance of acknowledging Him before others and trusting in the Holy Spirit when facing challenges. These verses are a profound call to faith, courage, and reliance on God, especially when we are confronted with situations that test our allegiance to Christ.
Jesus begins by saying, “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.” This promise is an incredible reminder that our relationship with Jesus is not something to be hidden or kept private. Instead, we are called to boldly confess our faith in Him. The idea of Jesus acknowledging us in the heavenly realm should fill us with both awe and encouragement. Our faithfulness on earth has eternal significance. When we stand for Christ in this life, He stands for us in the next.
Confessing Jesus before others can be daunting, especially in a world where Christianity may be met with skepticism or hostility. But Jesus continues with a solemn warning: “But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.” This warning calls us to reflect on where our true allegiance lies. Are we willing to stand for Christ, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient? The temptation to blend in, to avoid confrontation, or to compromise our beliefs can be strong, but Jesus reminds us that our ultimate accountability is not to this world but to God.
However, in the midst of this challenge, there is hope and grace. Jesus speaks about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which has been a source of confusion for many. Yet, the context helps us understand that this sin is not about a momentary doubt or fear. Rather, it is a persistent, hardened rejection of the Spirit’s work in revealing the truth of Jesus. For those who have embraced the gospel and seek to live in the Spirit, this is not a sin they should fear. Instead, Jesus reassures His followers that God’s grace is abundant and His Spirit is at work in their lives.
One of the most comforting parts of this passage is Jesus’ promise in verses 11-12: “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” This is a profound encouragement to all of us. There will be moments when we feel inadequate or unsure of how to defend our faith or speak up for Christ. But Jesus tells us not to worry. The Holy Spirit, who lives within us, will give us the words we need.
This assurance should give us courage in the face of fear. We don’t have to rely on our own wisdom or eloquence; God Himself will empower us. Our task is to be faithful, to stand firm in our commitment to Jesus, and to trust that when the time comes, the Spirit will guide us.
As we reflect on this passage, let us be inspired to confess Christ boldly, knowing that He acknowledges us before the angels of God. Let us trust that, no matter the circumstances we face, the Holy Spirit will be our advocate and guide, giving us the strength to live out our faith with courage and conviction.
