A recent article in this paper titled “Niagara businesses devastated by lost revenue during COVID: survey,” speaks about the millions of dollars in lost revenue, increased debt with the threat of insolvency and a possible three-year recovery period. This survey of local businesses is not good news.
We have been hit hard by the pandemic on many levels and not just economically. COVID-19 has taken lives, made people seriously ill, limited our personal freedom and caused undue stress and anxiety. Mental health concerns are rising as a growing number of people feel overwhelmed and afraid.
The good news is that we are not alone and that there is help. There are many social agencies and government services that are offering assistance. Countless individuals are responding in incredible ways to bring healing and hope to others.
A significant example of this is the many ways people are acting as advocates for others, especially those most in need. Whether they are the elderly in long-term care facilities, or the marginalized living on the street, we see those persons who act as a voice for the voiceless. This also happens in our hospitals, schools, social agencies, and whenever we see someone suffering due to COVID. When you suffer physically, emotionally, economically, or spiritually, it is good to know that there is someone there in time of need to be an advocate. It is a true blessing.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus states: “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 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” (John 14:16). In this passage, Jesus tells us that he will give us an advocate to help us “forever” and not just in our time of need.
The Greek word for advocate is ‘parakletos’. This is the word that was used by John in his Gospel. It means someone who is called to the side of another in order to offer help, comfort or counsel. The Father has given us the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, to be our spiritual advocate here on earth.
This Sunday many Christians will celebrate Pentecost. We commemorate that day when the Apostles and the Mother of Jesus were gathered in a room and the Holy Spirit descended upon them in the form of tongues of flame.
This moment is considered to be the ‘birthday’ of the Church because, after they received the Holy Spirit, the Apostles went out and began to teach and preach about Jesus. Many became believers that day and the Church was born.
Through the Church, Jesus gives this same gift to all who believe in him. Christians receive the Holy Spirit on the day of their Baptism. For some Christian churches, the Holy Spirit comes to us again in the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Paraclete stands by us as our advocate, offering gifts to help us throughout life.
St. John tells us that “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). One of the greatest gifts of the Holy Spirit is to give us courage during difficult times. The love of God is poured into our hearts so that we will not be afraid. The Paraclete enkindles Divine Love in us.
As we continue to deal with all the uncertainties of this pandemic, we need not worry. The Holy Spirit is God’s perfect love for us that casts out all fear!