Thoughts for the Day

They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

What is an Advocate? In Great Britain, the Faculty of Advocates says this: "Advocates are specially trained lawyers who are independent and objective. As well as initially having trained as solicitors they have to undergo further training and examinations before they can be called to the bar." Advocates have "an incisive, intelligent interest in the law and a determined approach when it comes to assessing their client's position, and they can represent clients in the highest courts in the land. As well as excellent thinkers and presenters, they are excellent negotiators."

Jesus has already been acting as an Advocate for the disciples, interceding for them with the Father, but now he promises to send another Advocate. Christians are to have an Advocate who can speak in God's 'court' on their behalf; who can support them when they are down; who can teach them when they are willing to listen; and who can energise them to act in the world. This is the Holy Spirit, the third part of the Trinity, and the promise is for all generations.

We learn from this little section that the Son asks, the Father gives, and the Spirit comes! The Holy Spirit is the power of God at work in our world and in us, today. We pray to God the Father, through Jesus the Son, but it is the Holy Spirit who will answer and help us today.

Lord Jesus,
You promised the disciples that you would send the Advocate,
the Holy Spirit, when You left them.
Through the Holy Spirit Your church
spread throughout the world.
May we remember that it was God the Spirit
that came to us at our Baptism and Confirmation,
and it is the same Spirit that comes to us today when we pray.
May we listen to the Holy Spirit -
and respond to His call to change our world.
Amen.