THE DIVINE HELPER
Jackson Jose continues the series on the Holy Spirit.
AN ADVOCATE
We all need help at some point in our lives. It may be from our family, friends, teachers or even from a stranger, but the person who can help us the most is the Third Person of The Blessed Trinity - The Holy Spirit. He was promised by Jesus to His disciples. “I will ask my Father and He will give you another advocate, to be with you forever.” (John 14:16) An advocate can be an adviser, or a supporter who recommends a particular plan of action or when someone is on trial in court their advocate will plead their cause and advise them.
THE PROMISE
After the Resurrection, just before He ascended into heaven Jesus said to His disciples “I am sending you what My Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:29) This was the Holy Spirit promised to His disciples by His Heavenly Father to be their helper and advocate. We are also His disciples and the promise is also for us. God has given us His Holy Spirit to help us whenever we ask Him. “For He delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves their lives.” (Psalm 72:12-13) Many people are still unable to accept the truth of this mystery and to put it into action in their lives.
AN INSPIRATION
I have worked with Fr Soji Olikkal (Director of Sehion UK Ministries) for a number of years and he has greatly helped me in my spiritual life. When I first met him I noticed that he was always asking for help from the Holy Spirit before he did anything. He entrusted everything that he did to the Holy Spirit, asking for His help. As a result of this prayer, I have seen how beautifully the Holy Spirit has led and blessed Fr Soji’s ministry and also his life. This has been a real inspiration to me and I now ask the Holy Spirit’s help in all that I do.
HELP IN ALL AREAS
The Holy Spirit can help us in all areas of our lives. When we find it hard to pray the Holy Spirit will help us. “The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26) The Holy Spirit will also help us to find the right words to use when we don’t know what to say. “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mathew 10:19-20) If we are struggling to memorise things for our exams despite studying hard then we should ask the Holy Spirit for help because we can trust in the Word of God which says, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
OUR RESPONSE
Let us try to ask for the Holy Spirit’s help in everything that we do from now onwards. Once we begin calling on His help then we will see a tremendous change in our lives. We can pray the following: Holy Spirit I ask you to help me in all aspects of my life, especially when I encounter difficulties or when I fail. Help me when I face any challenges and be with me in my daily life. Lord, I trust in your unfailing help. Amen.
