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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider When the advocate comes

When the advocate comes

Published May 14, 2023 04:01 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY


The novel (and film) To Kill a Mockingbird makes us appreciate an able and respected lawyer who would go to great lengths to defend a wrongly accused black man before a jury of white bigots in Alabama, U.S.A. Such was Atticus Finch as played by Gregory Peck.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that he will ask the Father to send them an advocate, a lawyer. The original Greek word paraclētos means defending advocate and consoler. Both meanings describe the role of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth.
The evangelist John sees the life of Jesus and the community of disciples as a universal trial. The plaintiffs or the accusers are Satan and the unbelieving world. It appears on the surface that Jesus and his community lose the case. Brought before the Jewish and pagan authorities, Jesus is sentenced to death and subsequently dies on the cross. Without their Master, his disciples are adrift and become like orphans.
But on the supernatural level, Jesus’ death is the source of victory and salvation which he gives to humanity. With death comes the resurrection, and with the resurrection, the gift of the Spirit of truth. The Spirit becomes their defense lawyer (“paraclete”). He becomes the consoler of the community of believers. He strengthens their resolve to follow the teachings of Jesus and persevere in loving and serving others.

Gospel • Jn 15:26—16:4a

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.” *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*

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