Thank God for Our Advocate, the Holy Spirit
Friends,
In the liturgy today, we remember that Jesus left for heaven: the Ascension. However, Jesus did not leave us orphans. He promised to send the Holy Spirit to lead and guide the church and to develop our understanding of God. Jesus called the Holy Spirit our “ADVOCATE,” or attorney, who pleads our cause in spite of our sins. And this advocate is still at work in each one of us and especially in our church. Our church really needs a lawyer/advocate in this era of child abuse, abused victims, litigations and tons of money. It is painful to read about both old and new allegations. “Holy Spirit, Advocate, we need you to guide us.”
Another point: I got a wonderful email from Fr. Emmanuel, and he sends his love and prayers. He enjoyed his ministry here in our parish and he grew as a priest. … He mentioned that as he re-inculturated himself, he found that he must build his mother a home. Now, Fr. Emmanuel has a vow of poverty and has no money. He said that his uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces all considered his mother their mother also. He would ask them to help build the home, which cost $1,000. If you would like to help him, make a check out to St. John’s and put Fr. Emmanuel’s name in the line at the bottom. We will get your love offerings to him and report back to you.
Peace,
Fr. John
