Labelling Is Not Strange To Anointing

 

We should not let rejection define us.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time II, January 22nd, 2024
Texts: 2 Samuel 5:1-7.10; Psalm 89:20-22,25-26; Mark 3:22-30 

It is very easy to think that anointing goes with popular acclamation, no labelling. Anointing could come with being a threat or repulsive to some people. Labelling is not strange to anointing. In today’s gospel reading the scribes labelled Jesus Christ. They said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul, and by the prince of demons he casts out the demons." However, Jesus did not let the labelling define Him; He moved past it.  

The labelling provides an occasion for Him to teach us about eternal sin. He first tells us that a kingdom that is divided against itself cannot stand. This debunks the idea that He is possessed by Beelzebul and cast out demons by the prince of demons. Having cleared the wrong idea, it means that He cast out demons by the Holy Spirit.  

The sin against the Holy Spirit is denial of the truth

Saying that Jesus has an unclean spirit is to sin against the Holy Spirit and commit eternal sin. We read, "Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"-- for they had said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’" 

The sin against the Holy Spirit is denial of the truth. We should learn to acknowledge the truth. We should not let ego,  envy, jealousy and personal interest lead us into eternal sin. 

If the Son of God could be labelled, is there any one that cannot be labelled. Jesus Christ says, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20). We should not let labelling define us. Labelling does not mean we are not anointed.  

You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off

Today’s first reading is about the anointing of King David as king over the whole people of God. King David was anointed but his anointing did not prevent him from being repulsive to the Jebusites. They said to him thus: “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off". 

However, the rejection did not weigh David down. We read, “Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Sion, that is, the city of David. And David became greater and greater, for the  Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.” So also we should not let rejection define us. 

Prayer 

Lord Jesus Christ, give us the grace to live above labelling and being repulsive to some people; Help us to prove our anointing in the ways we live our lives. Amen  
Fr. Andrew Olowomuke