“God the Spirit: our Great Parcelete”
(John 14: 16, 26)
In what ways has God currently met your needs?
I enjoy the medium of art that is Cinema. From movies to fan-made trailers to television, I enjoy it all. I do not watch as much as other people. But I still watch and enjoy. Some of my favorite television shows include Matlock, House, and The Rockford Files. Mainly because of one commonality: each of these shows present to us protagonists that are “Parceletes.”
A “Paraclete.” In both John 14: 16 and 26, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as a Parcelete. In ancient Greek culture, a Parcelete denoted a person who was called upon to come alongside another person in times of need. Typically, this was used in reference to family lawyers, physicians, and/or escorts/guardians. As such, the word came to connote an individual who provides intercession, advocation, comfort, health and well-being, and/or protection for another individual. This is why some versions translate these verses as the Holy Spirit being our “Advocate,” or “Comforter.”
This means, then, that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us on our behalf. It means that the Holy Spirit advocates for us. It means that the Holy Spirit comforts us. It means that the Holy Spirit brings us health and well-being. It means that the Holy Spirit protects us. Thus, in times of confession, where we confess our sin and wickedness to God, we can be assured of forgiveness, knowing that the Holy Spirit has interceded and advocated for us. In times of anxiety, stress, and fear, we can find peace in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. In times of sickness, suffering, and even death, we can find health and well-being in the Holy Spirit. In times of trouble, trial, or temptation, we can be confident and courageous, knowing that no matter what happens to us, even if it be death, that we are protected by the Holy Spirit.
May that Truth and Reality encourage you. We all go through difficult times. The degree of difficulty shifts from person to person, but the difficulty still exists. We all suffer, in one way or another. Yet, no matter what we face, we can remain steadfast, brave, and serene in the face of these situations. Do you feel guilty and ashamed of a sin? Then confess and repent, and receive the forgiveness and remission of God through the intercession of the Holy Spirit. Do you experience work-related stress, anxiety spurred on by family troubles, or fear of the future? Then be at peace and let the Holy Spirit comfort you. Are you sick and suffering? Then pray and be exposed to the health of the Holy Spirit. Or do you face a trial or a temptation you struggle to overcome? Then remain resolute as you gain Divine Grace, Courage, and Power to overcome it through the Presence of the Holy Spirit.
Dear Holy Spirit, in times of guilt, I seek your Assurance. In times of need, I seek Your Comfort. In times of weakness, I seek Your Strength.
Amen.
