6th Week of Easter 2023 - Tuesday - Advocate for Christ

 The Gospel of John’s account of the Last Supper is quite different from the other Gospels. For one, St. John omits the institution of the Eucharist and includes the washing of the Apostles’ feet.  John’s Last Supper is also a much longer text, spanning several chapters compared to just a few verses in the other Gospels. The bulk of those chapters consists of one scholars call the Lord’s Farewell Discourse in which Jesus delivers one of the most moving, theologically rich, and mystical passages in the whole New Testament. 

We fittingly read from the Farewell Discourse as we near Pentecost, for in that passage, the Lord speaks about how upon his departure to the Father, the Holy Spirit will be sent upon the Church, ushering in a brand-new chapter in God’s Saving plan in which the world will become convicted for the Gospel. 

And in this announcement of the Spirit’s coming, the Lord Jesus uses a fascinating title for the Spirit, the Jesus calls him, in Greek, the parakletos, the paraclete—a word having legal connotations. The word is even translated as Advocate, in our English translation, a title given to lawyers who defend their clients. 

And that’s precisely one of the tasks the Holy Spirit is sent to do. He acts as a sort of defense attorney, to prove the case for Jesus Christ. The Paraclete throughout history defends Christ’s claim to be God, to be the Messiah, to be the Savior. He advocates for Christ and for belief in Christ. And his work: the case for Christ, takes place on the world stage in every age until the Lord’s return. And the evidence with which the Spirit uses to prove Christ’s case, is us, the Church.

You want proof that Jesus Christ is truly God and Lord? Look at the evidence produced by the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. Look at the courage of the martyrs; look at the saints he has produced, look at their miracles, their righteousness. Look at the unity he has brought among the disparate people of the world who accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Look at the patience and joy and understanding and knowledge he gives to ordinary people who pray.

Every Christian is to be a piece of evidence in the Spirit’s case that the world might believe. The words and works he inspires, the spiritual fruit he cultivates, are all testimony to convince and convict the world that Jesus Christ is Lord for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

That all bishops, priests, catechists, and parents may be faithful in preaching and teaching the saving Gospel of Christ.

For an increase in the gifts of the Holy Spirit among all Christians, and for all who are persecuted for the faith. For those who do not believe in God and for those who have fallen away from the Church.

For all priests, that they may be ardent yet gentle preachers and faithful stewards of the sacred mysteries. For the sanctification of all priests: for the endurance to remain faithful to their calling amidst so many challenges, and for an increase in vocations to the ordained priesthood.

For the sick, the suffering, those in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice care, for the underemployed and unemployed, for the imprisoned, those with addictions, for those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, that the Spirit of Consolation may comfort them.

For the deceased members of our families, friends and parish, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for all those who fought and died for our freedom.

O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.