Blasphemy is a disrespectful attitude towards the character of God. It is the improper use of God’s name. The Israelites were very conscious of this: to use the name of God in vain was a serious sin. Even to pronounce the name “God” was held in utmost respect. That is why they used the term “Yahweh” (YHWH), an abbreviated term meaning “Lord God.” In recent times, Pope Benedict XVI has recommended that the Church change names of songs with the word Yahweh (e.g. “Yahweh, I Know You Are Near”) out of respect towards the holy name of God. Too often in our own lives, we tend to use the name of God rather casually in speech.
Blasphemy was the sin that ultimately provoked the authorities to crucify Jesus. He claimed to be Messiah, which, according to them, was an improper use of the name of God. He even said that He was the son of God, something that absolutely infuriated the crowds. Moreover, Jesus states those awesome words, “I AM”— the only words attributed to the Lord God. Remember at the burning bush, God disclosed His name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.”
The punishment due to blasphemy was stoning. It was a capital crime and the community had the right to punish this act by stoning. In the Gospel, the Jews picked up rocks to stone Him. St. Stephen, the first martyr for the faith, was stoned to death. Paul himself experienced this punishment in his life. Jesus is stoned for speaking the truth. He is misunderstood and they seek to arrest Him. John tells us that Jesus escapes from their power.
The respect the Jews showed towards the name of God should be a lesson for us. How often do I casually mention the Lord’s name? Do I recognize this as blasphemy? Anything other than worship and adoration of the Lord’s name is blasphemy. We, as Christians, need to be exceedingly vigilant in the way we relate with others as regards our speech, never calling on the name of the Lord in false ways. Let our conduct as Christians be always worthy of the name of the Lord. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
Blasphemy was the sin that ultimately provoked the authorities to crucify Jesus. He claimed to be Messiah, which, according to them, was an improper use of the name of God. He even said that He was the son of God, something that absolutely infuriated the crowds. Moreover, Jesus states those awesome words, “I AM”— the only words attributed to the Lord God. Remember at the burning bush, God disclosed His name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.”
The punishment due to blasphemy was stoning. It was a capital crime and the community had the right to punish this act by stoning. In the Gospel, the Jews picked up rocks to stone Him. St. Stephen, the first martyr for the faith, was stoned to death. Paul himself experienced this punishment in his life. Jesus is stoned for speaking the truth. He is misunderstood and they seek to arrest Him. John tells us that Jesus escapes from their power.
The respect the Jews showed towards the name of God should be a lesson for us. How often do I casually mention the Lord’s name? Do I recognize this as blasphemy? Anything other than worship and adoration of the Lord’s name is blasphemy. We, as Christians, need to be exceedingly vigilant in the way we relate with others as regards our speech, never calling on the name of the Lord in false ways. Let our conduct as Christians be always worthy of the name of the Lord. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
Reflection Question:
Do I use the Lord’s name in vain? For example, “Oh God!” or the famous Filipino expression,
“Susmaryosep! (Jesus-Maria-Joseph!)” Blessed be Your holy name, Lord Jesus. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love You. Save souls. Amen.
St. Mundus, pray for us.
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