the Advocate

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.”
Here Jesus foretells the Pentecost and the persecution of the early church. The disciples at the time this is being told do not know what is to come. The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of truth from God that gives the courage and wisdom to testify to the ministry and teachings of Christ. Pentecost is close not next sunday but the one after next.

In 2000, I was blessed to be in Rome and participate in the Pentecost mass at the Vatican. It was a living witness to the universality of the Church with members from around the world participating in multiple languages. I recall over 10 different languages being used throughout the worship. People had different clothing and it was all a sharing in the one faith. It was a tremendous blessing and I have a photograph of Pope John Paul II as he smiled at me waving and leaving after the mass from about ten feet away. I carry it my prayer book all the time. The true sense of the world gathered together to worship with the Spirit of God is a powerful and loving presence and witness.

I ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and courage especially and new vision for ministry and service to the Church.