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| Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth in the Monte Casino Shrine at St Meinrad. |
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Listeners hear during our liturgies and readers discover in their private prayer the presence of Holy Spirit throughout the Scriptures. That Spirit is glad, eager and willing; but it is also discerning, prudent and wise. As Saint Luke describes that Holy Presence, it is disciplined. The disciples may suppose they should go to some place like Bythinia, but the Spirit will tell them otherwise, and without explanation. We know nothing of God -- indeed we would have nothing to do with God -- except for the Spirit that rests upon us.
In today's gospel the Lord reveals the Spirit as our "Advocate whom the Father will send in my name." This teaching first reminds us that we don't even have an all-purpose name for this very sacred mystery. Nor do we have a symbol that fits every situation. The Holy Spirit appears as a dove, as fire, as wind, as oil, as the imposition of hands and the breath of the Risen Jesus; and -- in the Old Testament -- as a figure that looked like a man who snatches a prophet by the hair and carries him to faraway places. Or was that an angel?
But it's good to know we have an advocate (or Paraclete) in high places. Advocate is a legal term and spirited people often need legal counsel. We should occasionally find ourselves in hot water.
This Advocate will "teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." It is impossible to boil down all of Jesus' teachings to a single, all-purpose nugget of wisdom, a proverb or slogan for every occasion. There are many instances when we must act impetuously, and more occasions when we should act cautiously. Who can predict what critical decisions they might face tomorrow or next week?
Certainly we should study and prepare for those occasions. For instance, everyone should prepare an advanced directive. Too often families and friends and health care professionals must second-guess an accident victim's preferences about end-of-life care. But even with the advance directive loved ones must rely on the Holy Spirit to interpret it.
During these two weeks before Pentecost, as the Easter ceremonies inevitably fade from sight, we should pray with an open heart for the gift of God's Spirit to help us know what to do, and when to do it, and how to do it in the right spirit.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.