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Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time I

Mark 3:22-30

Summary: Faced with accusations from Jerusalem's scribes of demonic influence, Jesus used parables to challenge their logic. He argued against the possibility of Satan working against himself, as internal division leads to downfall, whether in kingdoms or households. He likened His exorcisms to overpowering a strong man to plunder his house. Jesus then solemnly clarified that all sins, except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, are forgivable, addressing their grievous claim of His possession by an unclean spirit.

Gospel Acclamation: Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel. (2 Timothy 1:10)

Jesus Refutes Accusations

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him.

But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.

Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

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