In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples he must go so the Holy Spirit will be sent. The word for the Holy Spirit in the NABRE version of the Bible is “Advocate.” Other names given to the Holy Spirit include Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Paraclete, and Consoler. Maybe it’s my legal training, but “advocate” is my favorite description of the Holy Spirit.
When I hear the word advocate I envision someone working for and fighting for a person to ensure them justice and fairness. Black’s Law Dictionary defines an advocate as “one who assists, defends, or pleads for another.” As an attorney, I know the power of these actions and what it means to a person to have a strong advocate by their side.
When I pray, I think of Jesus as love, mercy, compassion, and the Holy Spirit fighting for me and my family. As my children have grown into teenagers and young adults, my anxiety levels have increased, witnessing my kids struggle with life-changing, potentially serious issues. The same can be said as I care for my aging parents. Knowing that God sent us an Advocate is a great comfort as I continue parenting and caregiving my family. The Holy Spirit is God in the Trinity, assisting, defending, and pleading for us, including my family. The Advocate is the most potent ally we can have in our corner to call upon.
An advocate can change a person’s life, not just an outcome but also an attitude, outlook, comfort, and response. We can call on the Holy Spirit to advocate for our family and loved ones when we are anxious and be reassured that He is with them, fighting for them, always.
When I worry or become anxious, I pray simply, “Come Holy Spirit! Be my Advocate.”
What is your favorite name for the Holy Spirit?
En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús les dice a sus discípulos que tiene que irse para que el Espíritu Santo sea enviado. La palabra que se usa para el Espíritu Santo en la versión NABRE de la Biblia es “Abogado”. Otros nombres que se le dan al Espíritu Santo incluyen Consolador, Consejero, Ayudador, Paráclito y Aliviador. Quizás sea por mi formación en Derecho, pero “abogado” es mi descripción favorita del Espíritu Santo.
Cuando escucho la palabra abogado, imagino a alguien que trabaja y lucha por una persona para garantizarle la justicia y la equidad. El Diccionario de Derecho de Black define a un abogado como “aquel que asiste, defiende o intercede por otro”. Como abogada, conozco el poder de estas acciones y lo que significa para una persona tener un buen abogado a su lado.
Cuando rezo, pienso en Jesús como amor, misericordia, compasión, y en el Espíritu Santo luchando por mí y por mi familia. A medida que mis hijos han crecido y se han convertido en adolescentes y jóvenes adultos, mis niveles de ansiedad han aumentado al verlos lidiar con problemas trascendentales y potencialmente graves. Lo mismo ocurre al cuidar de mis padres ancianos. Saber que Dios nos envió un Abogado es un gran consuelo mientras continúo criando a mis hijos y cuidando a mis familiares. El Espíritu Santo es Dios en la Trinidad, asistiendo, defendiendo e intercediendo por nosotros, incluida mi familia. El Abogado es el aliado más poderoso que podemos tener a nuestro lado.
Un abogado puede cambiar la vida de una persona, no solo el resultado, sino también su actitud, perspectiva, consuelo y respuesta. Podemos invocar al Espíritu Santo para que interceda por nuestra familia y seres queridos cuando estamos ansiosos y tener la seguridad de que Él está con ellos, luchando por ellos, siempre.
Cuando me preocupo o me pongo ansiosa, simplemente rezo: “¡Ven, Espíritu Santo! Sé mi Abogado”.
¿Cuál es tu nombre favorito para el Espíritu Santo?
Lisa Henley Jones is a wife, mom, and native Texan. Her life is influenced by her Catholic faith and she shares it through writing and on her podcast, Of Sound Mind and Spirit, together with her sister, Shelly Kelly. For fun, Lisa enjoys reading, walking, dating her husband, and wearing the college colors of her young adult kids.
Feature Image Credit: Johannes Plenio, unsplash.com/photos/white-bird-flying-under-cloudy-sky-during-daytime-kT4yuuGeeTE
The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.
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