Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, 'If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you....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.'

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 says that he has been an Advocate. We have seen that he has been negotiating with God the Father on the disciples' behalf, and he now promises that when he leaves he will send 'another Advocate', who will teach them everything. This prestigious being is the third part of the Trinity, that is the Holy Spirit, and this promise is for all generations.

Christians 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. 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 to act.

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.