Our Advocate, the Spirit of Truth

This meditation is based on a passage for April 16, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: John 16:1-15

Reflection and Question: In His final teaching to the disciples in John’s Gospel, Jesus assures them that His leaving has to happen so that the Advocate may come to them and to us. The Greek translation of “advocate” here is “Paraclete,” and it is terribly difficult to translate into English. The King James Version used “Comforter.” The Greek-English Lexicon adds these possibilities: “mediator,” “intercessor” and “helper.” All of the qualities represented in these words fit within “the Spirit of truth” who glorifies Christ within us and among us. Which aspects of the Paraclete are most familiar to you?

Prayer: Spirit of God, be our Comforter in suffering, our Advocate in trial, our Intercessor when words fail us, our Helper in need, our Mediator in conflict. Taking what is Christ’s, guide us into all truth, so that we may glorify You in all things. Amen.