A paraclete is someone who helps us, usually in the context of a legal trial. For example, a paraclete could be a lawyer or a witness on our behalf. A paraclete must be convincing to the judge or jury, or he would not help us win the case. However, the Paraclete Whom the Father sends us is not accepted by the world "since it neither sees Him nor recognizes Him" (Jn 14:17). Therefore, the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, might not help us win our case on earth. Rather, He is with us and within us so we will have the strength to remain faithful when unjustly persecuted and condemned (see Jn 14:17). While we lose our case on earth, we will be more than conquerors in life (Rm 8:37). Though we may be condemned rather than acquitted on earth, the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, will make us holy so that, on the final Judgment Day, Jesus the Judge will give the verdict: "Well done! You are a good and faithful servant!" (Mt 25:21, our transl) "Come. You have My Father's blessing! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world" (Mt 25:34).
Come, Holy Spirit, the Paraclete! Help us be acquitted in the final judgment, even though we may be condemned in this world's trial.
| PRAYER: | Father, show me those on whom I am to lay hands so that they may receive the Holy Spirit (see Acts 8:17). |
| PROMISE: | "Should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply, but speak gently and respectfully." –1 Pt 3:15 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, Who "died and came to life again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living" (Rm 14:9). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College