The Advocate will teach you everything...

"The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you."

 This verse from St. John's Gospel was proclaimed in today's liturgy, Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter. Over these days, we will hear much about the life-giving relationship which exists between the Father, the Son and the Spirit as we live these days of Eastertide and journey towards Pentecost and beyond.

Over the past week, I was gathered at a Conference for Canon Lawyers in Galway, many of whom are advocates especially when it comes to the matrimonial and penal law. Whilst this is not my specific area of canon law, I am constantly reminded of the important of the role of an advocate. They must safeguard the party’s rights by arguments regarding the law and facts. Canon law also determines the characteristics which advocates must possess in order to carry out this role. So how does this relate to the Gospel? How is the Holy Spirit our Advocate? How does He safeguard us?
The Spirit teaches us to hear that voice which keeps reminding us that we are the beloved of God, that the Father desires that same relationship that He has with the Son for each of us. The Spirit intercedes for us. However, on the pilgrim path, there are people who advocate for us each day, maybe without us realising. They cheer us on spiritually especially when times are difficult, they bring us and our needs to prayer and we are called to do the same. Who are the advocates in our life? The ones who speak the truth in love to us, who nudge us on the way of holiness, even when it costs. As the day comes to a close, it's an opportunity to name them before the Lord of Life. For whom do we act as advocate? The promise of the Gospel is real- "If anyone loves me, they will keep my word, and my Father will love them, we shall come to them and make our home in them." As canon lawyers, we are constantly reminded that 'the supreme law is the salvation of souls (salus animarum suprema lex).' In our ministry, we are called each day to bring others to Christ, and where possible to remove those obstacles which prevent them from freely approaching the fulness of life. May the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, guide us always!