John 14:8-17
Sometimes one word makes all the difference. In promising the disciples the presence of the Holy Spirit, Jesus doesn’t say he will send “the” Advocate or “an” Advocate, but “another” Advocate. For there to be “another” of something, we must already be familiar with a first of that thing. Jesus has been, for the disciples, their first “Advocate.” They already “know him because he abides with [them]”. John 14:17 (NRSVUE)
When my daughter was an infant and I was ready to return to work after maternity leave, I didn’t have the difficult transition some parents do to begin childcare because Erin’s “new” caregiver wasn’t new at all: she was Grandma! The sense that she would be in the hands of another family member she already knew eased the hand-off for Mama and baby alike.
We were fortunate to have this caregiving arrangement available. But the caregiving arrangement Jesus provided is available to all: Even when Jesus is no longer physically with us, another who loves us just as he does—another whose truth we’ve seen in him—another whom we already know—is here. We are in good hands.
Listen:
Holy Spirit Living Breath of God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_z5C2wFPro
Question for Reflection:
- How have you experienced the Advocate working in your life?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be our Advocate, Comforter, and Guide. Amen.
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