6th Sunday of Easter: Jesus’ Abiding Presence
This Sunday is sixth Sunday of Easter which coincides with the special celebration of Mother’s Day.
Since its Mother’s day, let me begin by talking about my mother. My mother died 16 years ago. I regret that I was not always there during her last days here on earth. But I remember during the days before she died how she was so concerned about us taking care of her, even worrying that she is taking too much of our time and spending so much money because of her sickness. She was less concerned about what will happen to her and more about what will happen to us because of her illness.
Painful as the death of my mother may be, yet her death has helped me to grow and become stronger. Much as I wanted to spend longer time with her, it just couldn’t be. So I tried my best to become the best person I can be, believing that she is not gone and not separated from me but always with me. Her abiding presence has become an inspiration, advocate, comfort, consolation and help.
In the gospel today, Jesus tells his disciple on the night of his departure,
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.”
The Risen Lord continues to be present and remains alive manifesting the Father’s love and kindness in the world through us His disciples and friends. He has given us His Spirit to enlighten, empower and encourage us that we may be able to love one another as He has loved us.
The word “Advocate” comes from the Latin “advocatus” which translates the original Greek word “paraklētos”; both words literally mean “one who is called alongside” somebody. An Advocate/Paraclete can mean a spokesman, a mediator, an intercessor, a comforter, a consoler or a helper. Jesus said the Holy Spirit is “another” Advocate because he is the first Advocate (see 1 Jn 2:1b). The Holy Spirit, as the “second” Advocate, will continue Jesus’ presence among the disciples and His saving action for the of the disciples, e.g., guiding them and nourishing them with His word and defending them against those who will persecute them (see Jn 15:18-27).
Jesus assures us, “I will not leave you orphans.” In Jesus’ time, the orphans were the weakest members of the society. Having lost their parents, particularly their fathers, orphans or the comfortless ones had no means of protection and provision and so were easy targets for exploitation and harm. One of our most basic needs as human beings is the need for comfort, empathy, and presence of our loved ones. This is also what we ask most of God. More than material things, God’s advocacy, consolation and presence, is one of the most frequent petition that we ask of the Lord especially in the lowest moments of our lives. Jesus gives us assurance that God never leaves us orphans. This gives us the greatest hope—the never ending presence, protection and support of God. We are confident even in today’s hostile world because it is the Spirit who gives us the grace and strength to believe. This is the same confidence that St. Peter proclaimed in the second reading:
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (I Peter 3: 15).
Jesus is so far yet so near, absent yet present, because the Holy Spirit is sent for us. God never left us. God remains with us, forever.
I am passionate about the intersection between new media and technology. I continue to research and apply new media in theology and vice-versa. I am also a fan of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and her continuing relevance in today’s digital world.
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