For some, it is/was your mom; for others, it is a close friend. For all the front line workers: nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, grocery store workers, truck drivers, farmers and all those who put their lives on the line, they are our advocates and our champions. They are forever supporting through very dangerous times.
In John 14: 15-21, Jesus talks about advocates. As Roger Hahn has pointed out, the Greek word used here (paraclete) has been translated in many ways. It can mean comforter, helper, or counsellor. The two roots that create the word mean “one called to your side,” but not someone to defend you like a lawyer. Hahn notes: “It was not a lawyer in the sense that we now think of lawyers or advocates; the paraclete didn’t speak to the judge, she/he spoke with the person on trial encouraging and helping them through it.” This is what Jesus promises his disciples and us: an advocate to encourage us and help us get through the trials and fires of life.
The Holy Spirit draws alongside us in times of need and in times of joy. The advocate provides strength for our journey but also rejoices in our victories. With the advocate by our side, Jesus promises that we’ll never be orphans. This is an image that speaks deeply to the human condition. Whether we realize it or not, we love orphan stories.
Many of the popular stories and movies we love are orphan stories. Snow White is an orphan. So is Harry Potter, Bambi, and Cinderella. And all these orphans come out on top, defeating some evil force or power or circumstance. Let us hope that the scientists develop a vaccine that will elevate this deadly virus. Advocates. All of these movie characters have their advocates, those who have drawn alongside them to encourage them in their time of need. Orphans triumph because they are not ultimately left to fend for themselves. They have advocates.
In short, orphans are ultimately adopted by advocates who help them persevere. This is what Jesus means when he assures his disciples that “I am in my (Parent), and you in me, and I in you.” We are no longer orphans but adopted into the holy family. We are children of God, sisters and brothers of Christ- and we are bound together in holy love with God and one another through the immanent presence of Holy Spirit.
As orphans adopted by such gracious love and presence, we are called to seek out the other orphans of this world and draw alongside them as well. Jesus’ message is that there are no orphans here. The Holy Spirit remains with each of us, in every moment. Our calling is to recognize the Spirit in ourselves and help others recognize that they too never journey alone. God’s Blessing and stay safe. Amen.
Comment on this Below
Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.