From Companions in Contemplation by Ben Johnson, 2009
Another Advocate
…I will send you another advocate … who will be with you forever.
He abides with you and shall be in you.
John 14:15-16
The other Advocate, which is the Holy Spirit, who has come as a gift from the ascended Christ and is the Spirit of Christ, will be present in us forever. In his resurrected humanity, Christ is now in the Father; in his Spirit he also abides in our humanity. In both instances we have one who is our Advocate with the Father.
In us the Spirit advocates against our temptations and weaknesses. When doubts arise, she slays them with the sword. When failures and sin leave us with doubt and fear, she assures us that God accepts the broken and the Spirit leads us through our darkness into the light of contemplation.
In our contemplation of Christ we realize that our fallen humanness has been glorified in the presence of God. In God’s presence the Son ever lives to make intercession for us and thus to liberate us to live fully human lives with joy and confidence.
Today, Expect him in every temptation and failure! Embrace and live into the strength that comes only from the advocate.
Jane Note: Please post your thoughts as you reflect on this Ben Moment and it continues to unfold in your thoughts this day.
Another Advocate
…I will send you another advocate … who will be with you forever.
He abides with you and shall be in you.
John 14:15-16
The other Advocate, which is the Holy Spirit, who has come as a gift from the ascended Christ and is the Spirit of Christ, will be present in us forever. In his resurrected humanity, Christ is now in the Father; in his Spirit he also abides in our humanity. In both instances we have one who is our Advocate with the Father.
In us the Spirit advocates against our temptations and weaknesses. When doubts arise, she slays them with the sword. When failures and sin leave us with doubt and fear, she assures us that God accepts the broken and the Spirit leads us through our darkness into the light of contemplation.
In our contemplation of Christ we realize that our fallen humanness has been glorified in the presence of God. In God’s presence the Son ever lives to make intercession for us and thus to liberate us to live fully human lives with joy and confidence.
Today, Expect him in every temptation and failure! Embrace and live into the strength that comes only from the advocate.
Jane Note: Please post your thoughts as you reflect on this Ben Moment and it continues to unfold in your thoughts this day.