In today’s Gospel reading, we are privy to Jesus’ moving discussions with the apostles on Holy Thursday as he continues to prepare them for his departure from them and for what is to follow.
A Gift
Sensing their great anxiety, He promises not to leave them orphans. He announces a gift that will sustain them amidst persecution when they can no longer see him, and until He returns. The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, the Comforter. The Holy Spirit will give them the words they need to testify to what they have seen and will be with them when they are thrown out of their synagogues.
As St. Augustine of Hippo wrote about this in the 5th Century, “the Lord strengthened His disciples to endure the hatred of their enemies, and prepared them also by His own example to become the more courageous in imitating Him: adding the promise, that the Holy Spirit should come to bear witness of Him, and also that they themselves could become His witnesses, through the effectual working of His Spirit in their hearts.”
The Advocate
Twenty centuries later, amid the many modern day challenges faith brings, the Advocate continues to sustain those who never saw Jesus in person.
