Advocate

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Advocate

Holy Spirit

Promise   Presence   Peace

Are Dwelling Within Us

Home

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:  John 14:23 and 26

Jesus was speaking with the Apostles at the Last Supper and said, 

"Whoever loves Me will be faithful to My word.

My Father will love that person.

We will come to her or him.

We will dwell with that person.

The Father will send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, in My name.

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you."

Reflection

Have you ever had a person who would advocate for you, someone who would help you navigate a difficult situation?

Maybe it was a guidance counselor who helped you choose and apply to a college.

Or a friendly clerk at the Department of Motor Vehicles who showed you the right forms to fill out and the right line to get on.

Or a doctor who helped you get the correct treatment you needed even after the insurance company told you that it wouldn't be covered.

Advocates can be so important in our lives---even lifesaving. We can always count on a good advocate to point us in the right direction and to help us overcome difficult obstacles we face.

In our reading from The Gospel of John, Jesus makes a promise. He will send us the Holy Spirit to be our Advocate. Amazing!

Jesus wants to make sure that we are helped. He realizes that we will face some hard times. He knows that the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives will bring us peace in the midst of our challenges.

The Advocate will actually dwell within us and make a home in us. Now that's a special Advocate!

This Amazing Advocate will be our Teacher. We will learn what we are to say and what we are to do. We will never be alone.

Jesus knows about this in a personal way. In His human nature, Jesus experienced the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within Him. 

He faced rejection.

He faced misunderstanding.

He faced those who were trying to trap Him in a misstep.

He faced scourging.

He faced crucifixion.

He knew in all those difficult circumstances that the Advocate would be with Him and sustain Him. The Holy Spirit dwelt within Him.

Jesus knows what we need. He wants to make sure that we also have the Holy Spirit as our Advocate.

Enjoy the Advocate who dwells within you. Time to make some space in your home.

Always!

1. Who have been some advocates who have helped you face difficulties?

2. Why does Jesus send us the Holy Spirit as our Advocate?

3. When have you experienced the Holy Spirit in your life?

4. What do you feel when you contemplate Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)