A: 6th Sun of Easter (17 May 2020) - THE PARACLETE IN THE CHURCH (Jn 14:15–21)

The word Paraclete occurs five times in the New Testament, all in the Johannine books: Jn 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7; 1 Jn 2:1. While he is identified as the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26) or the Spirit of Truth (Jn 15:26), we do not know specifically as to how the Paraclete operates. It may be insightful to enumerate their occurrences and try to trace his basic traits:

“And I will ask the Father… another Advocate”(Jn 14:16).

“The Advocate… will teach you everything”(Jn 14:26).

“When the Advocate comes… he will testify on my behalf”(Jn 15:26).

“The Advocate will not come to you… I will send him to you”(Jn 16:7).

“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate…” (1 Jn 2:1).

From the verses above we can describe the Paraclete as someone coming from the Father (Jn 14:16), sent through Jesus (Jn 16:7), who will testify (Jn 15:26), teach (Jn 14:26), and forgive sins (1 Jn 2:1) in the name of Jesus. These three functions of testifying, teaching, and forgiving, characterize the Paraclete. Essentially, these three functions are also seen in the sacramental ministry of the Church. Firstly, she testifies on the divine mystery of Christ by witnessing to the truth and fighting for the oppressed. Secondly, she teaches the good news taught by Jesus himself to his disciples. Finally, she forgives sins through the sacrament of reconciliation and by welcoming sinners into a spiritual renewal. With these parallel functions, we can say that the Paraclete is at work in the very existence of the Church. We should be relieved that we have the Church always within our reach for she embodies this very Spirit of God.

Accordingly, the Greek term “paraklētos” (Paraclete) is a compound of two words: “para” (“from, by, with, beside”) and “kaleō” (“to call, to summon”). Etymologically, Paraclete denotes somebody who stays at one’s side when summoned. Meanwhile, the Greek word “ekklēsia” (“church, congregation”) carries almost the same meaning, coming also from a compound of two words: “ek” (“out of, from”) and “kaleō” (“to call, to summon”). Church then infers a summoning from the people to participate in a communal life. If both the Paraclete and the Church refer to a kind of “kaleō” (“calling”), consequently, we can conclude that whoever responds to this invitation of service receives this same Spirit of God that envelops them. Hence, anybody can truly be part of both the life of the Paraclete and the Church.

In our present difficult time of pandemic crisis, we are called to act our part, not heroically, but by simply being there to our brothers and sisters in need. Our gospel today instructs us on how we can better participate in this community. First is by witnessing to God’s goodness. All of us are showered in one way or another by God’s generosity. Sharing our treasures and talents to others especially to those vulnerable during this lockdown is surely commendable. Second is by teaching God’s good news. In this time of proliferation of fake news and false propaganda, we may be of big help by teaching the truth in our careful, discerning, and wise use of social media. We can start by teaching others the essentials of living justly, fairly, and simply by sharing our nuggets of daily spiritual learning. Third is by forgiving everybody: others, the world, and even our own selves. The pandemic has led us all to realize that life is short. We should learn to value it by living each day with no grudges and remorse, but filled with joy and spiritual contentment instead.

May we, then, imbibe the Paraclete in us by our lives of witnessing, teaching, and forgiving.

- Rex Fortes, CM