An Advocate for life!

Sixth Sunday of Easter: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051720.cfm
“Hurry Mama, hurry,” pleaded three-year-old Freddy. Frightened by his urgent cry for help, Laura sped to the emergency room and insisted he be seen immediately. Her persistence saved Freddy’s life, as they discovered he was experiencing Myocarditis, a virus to the heart, which has a 40% mortality rate. Laura, like a mama bear, advocates tenaciously for her children, ever since their twins were born prematurely two years earlier. She contends every person needs an advocate in the hospital or care facility. Each person needs the advocacy of a good parent, concerned friend, dedicated teacher, or caring healer.

The disciples speak of receiving the Spirit, as “an Advocate to be with you always.” What a gift! What a blessing to know we have an Advocate who insists, persists, and continually works on our behalf! The Holy Spirit, this Divine Advocate, moves mountains, breaks down barriers, and blows past impossible circumstances in aiding our Divine call to holiness, to sainthood, to love—to the abundant life! In the Spirit, we have an Advocate who leads us spiritually to discern and follow God’s will.
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The Spirit advocates by bringing people and circumstances into life for our spiritual good. Sometimes we follow the Spirit’s lead, and sometimes not. Through it all, the Spirit blows past our deafness, disobedience, or indecisiveness to bring about a spiritual good—more than we could have imagined. We experience disappointments, make terrible decisions, and travel through suffering and over rough terrain, yet if we are open, the Spirit somehow works through it all, making us wiser, stronger, more compassionate, and closer to our Lord.

During this pandemic, it’s been especially important to advocate for others. As concerned parishioners, we make calls to check on our elderly and deliver care packages. We advocate for the vulnerable by wearing masks, gloves, and practice social distancing. We serve as advocates for the poor by supporting our local food banks or Catholic Charities. And we pray for those suffering from coronavirus and for their loved ones, who advocate through a window or by a phone call. We trust the Spirit will not leave us as orphans, but will work all things to the spiritual good through this troublesome time.

As parents and grandparents, we name grace—God’s advocating presence—by speaking of the Holy Spirit’s gracious works. In order for our children to trust in the Spirit, they must understand that God is good all the time, and works continuously on their spiritual behalf, especially during hard times like this pandemic. “Pray for the Spirit’s wise counsel when making a decision.” “I just know God has something better planned for you.” “God is calling you closer to Him through this experience.” With the Holy Spirit, stumbling blocks become stepping-stones, obstacles become strength builders, and “the sea becomes dry land.”
 
Laura’s advocacy saved Freddy’s life in that critical moment, but more important, Laura advocates continuously for her children’s spiritual good. Each person needs an earthly advocate, especially when so many feel alone during the pandemic. As Christians, we also serve as spiritual advocates by leading everyone to the Holy Spirit—the Parent, Friend, Teacher, Healer—who is always advocating for our eternal good. We have an Advocate for life! Now, that’s good news!
 
How has the Holy Spirit advocated for your spiritual welfare?
 
How will you advocate for your child’s spiritual good?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 
https://pixabay.com/photos/dove-wave-particles-abstract-4191376/
 
Naming Grace in the Domestic Church reflects on Scripture through the lens of a parent/grandparent. To contact Mary about her reflections, preaching, or speaking: www.mary pedersen.com