Paraclete: Two Definitions
1. “The translation of the Greek term meaning ‘called to the side of’ and hence ‘advocate’…As the Fourth Gospel (John) makes clear, the Paraclete is the Holy Spirit….who continues the work of Jesus himself. ”
– Paul J. Achtemeier, Harper Collins Bible Dictionary, 1996, p. 806
2. “The word, “paraclete” is one of those rich Greek words that are difficult to translate completely. A Paraclete is someone who defends and comforts and speaks up for and helps a weak person. So, the word “paraclete” can be translated as ”advocate”, as well as ‘Comforter”, “consoler” or “helper”…..”
– Jean Vanier, Drawn Into the Mystery of Jesus Through the Gospel of John, p. 260
BEING CALLED TO THE SIDE OF
As I write this article, today marks day 39 of my Dad’s admission to the hospital. A fall at home revealed that his heart rate had dropped to 32, which landed him in the ER at the QEII.
The remedy, a routine surgery to install a pacemaker. However, my Dad has a serious kidney disease and complications following the surgery have taken us on an arduous journey together, one that no one ever wishes to make.
The complications after the surgery left my father unable to speak for himself. I’ve had to be his voice, to speak for him and to fight for him, to show the countless doctors, nurses, physical therapists and support staff who he is when he’s not lying vulnerable, voiceless and helpless in a hospital bed at the tender age of 80. Thankfully, I was ready.
Even still, this has not been an easy task, with fourteen moves (so far) from ICU to IMCU to unit to unit and back again. The journey has required my near-constant presence at the hospital, retelling Dad’s medical history and story dozens and dozens of times, every time his medical team has changed, or new specialists have come to consult. All while confronting the very real possibility that he might die. And, I’ve seen countless other families going through the same experience, as well as the elders in our midst who have no one to speak for them — this breaks my heart most of all.
When we speak for loved ones in hospital, we are given a name by the staff, and it is one we are no stranger to as followers of Jesus: Advocate. For the sake of one another, we should all be prepared to be one if and when a tragedy strikes.
PROMISE FULFILLED
Yesterday, my Dad finally turned the corner and we now know that he will make a full recovery and be able to come home. And the one thing that carried us through this harrowing time and will carry us through the days ahead is this promise of Jesus fulfilled.
Knowing that God dwells within us, and that because of this unbreakable bond of love we share with Jesus and our Creator, there is nothing that we won’t be able to face and move through together.
No matter how debilitating, or terrifying, or exhausting or hopeless things may seem, we always remind ourselves of these precious words of Jesus in our prayers before parting each night:
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you….On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.”
– John 14: 16-17, 20, NRSV
OUR PRAYER FOR YOU
So, Dad and I now have a prayer for you, as you might also be making a journey such as ours: that you will know the presence of God who carries us, the presence of God within you, the Paraclete who will carry you.
I leave you with one of my favourite reflections on this spiritual truth, written by Jean Vanier — the founder of L’Arche — in his book entitled, Drawn Into the Mystery of Jesus Through the Gospel of John:
“What a beautiful name! God is the one who answers the cry of the weak and those in need. A mother is a “paraclete” for her child when she answers the cry of her little one, holds and loves him or her. Every time we look after a person in need and answer their cry, we become paracletes… (as) Jesus was a Paraclete for his disciples.” (p. 260)
May we all know and feel — deep in our hearts — the power and presence of the Paraclete who dwells within us and carries us when we are weak. And, may we all be ready to be paracletes when we hear the cry of the one who needs us to come to their side and speak when they cannot speak for themselves.
In the May Issue, I’ll explore the practical things that you and your family can do together to be prepared for a time such as this.
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Photo Credit: @awmleer, Unsplash
If you need any help, assistance or resource suggestions to move through this time of pandemic, contact me directly at [email protected] and find me on social media @vocapeace.
