Daily Gospel Reflection for May 27, 2025

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 16:5-11

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples he must go so the Holy Spirit will be sent.The word for the Holy Spirit in the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) is “Advocate.” Other names given to the Holy Spirit include Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Paraclete, and Consoler. Maybe it’s my legal training, but “advocate” is my favorite description of the Holy Spirit.  

When I hear the word advocate – I envision someone working for and fighting for a person to ensure justice and fairness for their benefit. Black’s Law Dictionary defines an advocate as “One who assists, defends, or pleads for another.” As an attorney, I know the power of these actions and what it means to a person to have a strong advocate by their side.  

When I pray, I think of Jesus as love, mercy, and compassion, and the Holy Spirit fighting for me and my family. As my children have grown into teenagers and young adults, my anxiety levels have increased, witnessing my kids struggle with life-changing, potentially serious issues. Knowing that God sent an advocate to us is a great comfort as I parent.  The Holy Spirit is God in the Trinity, assisting, defending, and pleading for us, including my kids. The Advocate is the most potent ally we can have in our corner to call on.

An advocate can change a person’s life, not just in outcome but also in attitude, outlook, comfort, and response. We can call on the Holy Spirit to advocate for our children and young adults when we are anxious and be reassured that He is with them, fighting for them, always. 

When I worry or become anxious, I pray simply, Come, Holy Spirit!  Be my advocate.

Ponder:

What is your favorite description for the Holy Spirit?  Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Paraclete, or Consoler?

Pray:

Come, Holy Spirit!  Be my advocate. 

Copyright 2025 Lisa Henley Jones