Old Testament: Genesis 3:8–15
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1
Gospel: Mark 3:20–35
The Pentecost season underscores the central and critical role of the Holy Spirit in our personal life and in the Church’s corporate life. In our Gospel reading this morning the religious authorities assert that the work the Spirit through Christ is really the work of the devil, and so they oppose the work of the Father who sent Him. This is the worse kind of blasphemy, for Christ Jesus brings release from sin, death, and devil. Jesus binds up the powers of darkness and frees you from your sins, He is your strength and your shield (Collect, Introit).