During the final two weeks of the Easter season, as we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s Ascension and the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Church focuses our attention on Jesus’ final discourse with the Apostles at the Last Supper. It was there that He assured them that He would not desert them. Instead, a powerful Divine Helper, the Holy Spirit, would come to them from Jesus and the Father in order to guide them and to strengthen them.
The role of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures is multi-layered. As the Counselor or Paraclete or Advocate, the Holy Spirit would coach, defend, and strengthen the Apostles in their sufferings and persecution. The Spirit would also guide them during their trials before the civil authorities. As the Spirit of Truth, He would bear witness to Jesus and enable the Apostles to bear witness to Christ heroically before the world. The Holy Spirit would give them an “experiential knowledge” of Jesus and an in-depth knowledge of Jesus’ teachings.
The role of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, remains much the same today. As the Divine Advocate, the Holy Spirit, living within us, continues to help us bear witness to Christ by assisting us to live transparent Christian lives. The Spirit also gives us courage and perseverance when we meet adversities and challenges. As the Divine Teacher, the Holy Spirit, through our daily study of the Bible, helps us to know Jesus thoroughly, to love Him personally, and to experience Him intimately, so that we may live the ideals of Christ and convey them to others through our genuine Christian lives.
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.”
O God, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
