Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!
In John’s gospel, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as “the Advocate;” a word with legal implications, just like the word witness. This isn’t an accident. But I don’t think we need to go so far as to see it in litigious terms, but in terms of social order.
Persuading people, solving disputes, connecting over common interests, needing support: these are all things people need when dealing with other people. And especially with systems and groups, like governments, corporations, or organizations.
There is a tendency to think of the Holy Spirit as ephemeral—inspiring us or connecting us. But not as something terribly substantive.
But to think of her as the Advocate has a different connotation. Especially when we are ones in need of help. When we don’t have a way into a difficult conversation or a voice within an organization.
Common examples of places where advocates are increasingly necessary are in hospitals, schools, and immigration courts where patients, students, and immigrants need help in getting the care, information, and support they need.
There is an obvious correlation between our need for help and systems in our world which make it so people can’t help themselves. And that one of God’s personas is to be an Advocate for those in need is an important guide for our collective ministry.
With love,
Drew