The Liturgy on this Sixth Sunday of Easter is already pointing us to Pentecost, the culmination of the entire Easter Season. In the gospel, Jesus proclaims, “I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth.” The Greek word translated “Advocate” is more literally translated “Paraclete.” Jesus himself is the first advocate, the first paraclete, the one who is always with us and pleading our cause. The Holy Spirit is another advocate, always with us, stirring in the hearts of believers. The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles today tells us how new Christians received the Holy Spirit when the apostles prayed for them and laid hands on them.
Jesus and the Holy Spirit are described as the two loving arms of God. We know the saving and redeeming love of God through the presence and action of the Risen Christ and the Holy Spirit. Both advocates advise, intercede, comfort, and give courage. The gift of our faith helps us to realize and appreciate how we experience this saving love.
In what ways have you experienced the risen Christ and the Holy Spirit as advocates, including during this pandemic time?