The disciples understood that Jesus was leaving them. They were sad and asked themselves how they can remain united after he is gone.
Jesus promised not to leave them alone, without protection and guidance. He said that he will pray to the Father and “send the other Paraclete,” who will always be with them.
Jesus clarifies that the Spirit can only be received by those who are in accord with him, with his plans and his works of love. The world cannot receive it.
But where is this world to which the Spirit is not destined? Are they the pagans? The world as Jesus intends is not the people, but the heart of each person—wherein darkness, sin and death reign.
The Spirit is called the Comforter (one called to be beside).
In ancient times, there was no establishment of lawyers; each defendant had to speak for themselves, bringing witnesses in their own behalf. It happened sometimes, that some, though not guilty, were unable to prove their innocence or, despite having committed the crime, deserved forgiveness.
For them, there remained one last hope: that in the midst of the assembly there would be someone honoured by all for their moral integrity.
That blameless person, without uttering any word, would get up and stand at the side of the accused. The gesture is equivalent to an acquittal. No one would have dared to ask for condemnation after that.
This defender is called the Paraclete, or “one who is called to the side of another who finds themselves in trouble.” The meaning of this title is protector, helper, defender.
Jesus promises his disciples another Paraclete, since they already have one, he himself, as John explains in his first letter: “My little children, I write you these things so that you may not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have a Paraclete by the Father’s side: the righteous Jesus Christ” (1 John 2:1).
And Jesus is the Paraclete as our advocate with the Father and not because he defends us from his wrath which may be provoked by our sins (the Father is always on our side, as Jesus). He protects us against our accuser, sin. The enemy is sin and Jesus knows how to reduce it to impotence.
Jesus also promises the Spirit of truth. He is charged to introduce the disciples to the discovery of the whole truth. He will not say anything new or contrary to him. He will help to capture his message to the very end, until the very last consequences.
The duty of the Christian is to remain open to the impulse of the Spirit who always reveals new things.
He is, by his nature, the one who renews the face of the earth. It is a sin against the Spirit (and extremely grave one cf. Matthew 12:31) to oppose renewal, to refuse innovations that favour the life of the community, that bring people closer to Christ and one another, that increase the joy and peace, that help people to pray better and free the heart from useless fear.
Father Fernando Armellini SCJ
Claretian Publications (bibleclaret.org)
Translated by Father John Ledesma SDB
Abridged by Father Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
