Gospel 

Luke 12:8-12

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. “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. 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. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of acknowledging Him before others, warning of the consequences of denial and blasphemy.

Key Principles:

1. Acknowledging Jesus (v. 8)

- Publicly declaring faith in Jesus

- Confessing Him before others

1. Consequences of Denial (v. 9)

- Denying Jesus before others

- Facing denial before God's angels

1. Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit (v. 10)

- Speaking against the Son of Man can be forgiven

- Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is unforgivable

1. Courage in Persecution (vv. 11-12)

- Trusting the Holy Spirit's guidance

- Fearless witness in the face of adversity

Implications for Us:

- Publicly acknowledge Jesus as Lord

- Trust the Holy Spirit's guidance in persecution

- Recognize the gravity of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit

- Stand firm in faith despite adversity

Conclusion:

May we courageously acknowledge Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you publicly acknowledge Jesus?

2. What fears hold you back from sharing your faith?

3. How can you trust the Holy Spirit's guidance?

Action Steps:

- Publicly share faith

- Study biblical teachings on persecution (Matthew 5:11-12, 2 Timothy 3:12)

- Engage in spiritual disciplines, deepening faith

- Seek accountability from fellow believers.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, give us courage to acknowledge Jesus before others. May we confess Him boldly, trusting Your guidance.

We pray for:

Courage to publicly declare faith.

Wisdom to recognize the gravity of blasphemy.

Faith to stand firm in persecution.

Guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Forgiveness for past denial or doubt.

In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

“Give me, O Lord, the knowledge of what I should know.”

May these prayers guide you in courageously acknowledging Jesus.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ