“And so I tell you, everyone of men’s sins and blasphemies will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Sprit will not be forgiven…..either in this world or the next” (Mt. 12:31)
As a kid I didn’t understand Jesus’ admonition about this ‘one unforgivable sin’ recorded in Mathhew’s Gospel. In a spiritual work of mercy with which she instructed her ignorant son, my mother explained it to me. Fundamentally, the sin against the Holy Spirit is obstinate pride, and it manifests itself in many ways. Two examples are illustrative.
One is the conviction that we do not need God. In his book “The Drama of Atheist Humanism” authored over eighty years ago, Henri de Lubac presaged this dangerous mindset so prevalent in today’s technological world: “ …in his desire for a liberation whose instrument must be technology, man goes to the point of renouncing everything that makes his condition dependent and would like, so to speak, not to be born. His refusal of providentialism hardens or is distorted into a rejection of divine paternity” (p.422)
The other is the suicide of the apostle, Judas Iscariot, as recorded in Matthew 27. Having betrayed Jesus, Judas felt some remorse (evidenced by his return of the pieces of silver). However, he considered himself beyond redemption, beyond the power of God, and – according to Matthew’s version – hanged himself.
The first example demonstrates pride as manifested in arrogance; the second as manifested is despair. In one, the salvific love of God is not recognized; in the other it is rejected. Both bring the challenge of innocence to mind. Are we able to accept that healing redemption depends on our acceptance of divine love?
In his letter to the Romans St. Paul teaches us that where sin abounds grace abounds all the more. This divine benevolence is certified in the first chapters of Genesis. As a result of their prideful insubordination Adam and Eve are expelled from their Edenic paradise. However, their merciful and loving Creator assures them he will make it possible for them to be reinstated in his favor. So, innocence is never lost. At worst it is jettisoned – both by each of us individually and by all of us as the family of man. However, it is always restorable.
The challenge of innocence relates to the sin against the Holy Spirit. Our innocence, stained and as diminished as it may be, not only can be restored but, depending on our acceptance, can be renewed and even strengthened. God’s repeated pardon brings us ever closer to him. This is why some of the greatest saints were the greatest sinners. We have only to accept God’ healing power. Not to do so is the unforgiveable sin. This challenge of innocence also relates to the virtue of hope. If we dare to respond to God’s forgiveness, we will be nourished by the inexhaustible hope that ‘all will be well’.
Speaking of maternal instruction, the mother of Jesus understood the challenge of innocence. With her fiat she opened the world to God’s redemptive grace. Mary was the ‘handmaid of the Lord’. Philanthropists too accept the challenge of innocence. They are ‘handmaids of hope’, an innocent hope which advances the Kingdom, a ‘hope that never fails’.