I know the only unforgivable sin is one against the Holy Spirit. My problem is what sort of sin could that be, and how or why would it be against the Holy Spirit?
- D.F., TEXAS


You are referring to the sin mentioned in Mark 3:29, Matthew 12:32, and Luke 12:10. (When you find it in all three synoptic Gospels, you can rest assured that it is central to the tradition.) The Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 1864) offers this translation: “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” And the Catechism offers this explanation: “There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting rejects the forgiveness of his sins and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit. Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss.”

The sin referred to here is sometimes thought of as a condition of ultimate despair. It is distrust beyond imagining — an inexplicable refusal to accept forgiveness. Why, you ask, is it thought of as somehow being “against the Holy Spirit?” Because, I would suggest, it is a rejection of God’s life and love. Th is means rejection of the Spirit given for us, and intended, by God’s providence, to be God’s life and love within us. CD

William J. Byron, S.J.

Readers are welcome to send questions to Father Byron at Catholic Digest, P.O. Box 6015, New London, CT 06320, or to send e-mail to him.