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The noun ‘paraklētos’ (παράκλητος) is a rare word derived from its verbal form parakleō. Its precise translation is difficult to determine but understood to have the underlying sense of comfort, encourage, exhort. If literally rendered it may be taken to mean as “one called (‘kletos’) alongside (‘para’) in order to help, offer comfort, etc. It is given in the face of persecution, catastrophe or suffering (Mt 2:18, 5:4; 2Cor 1:4f; Lk 16:25 Acts 20:12); or given to a penitent sinner (2Cor 2:7).
When referred mainly to the person of the Holy Spirit particularly in the gospel of St. John, it includes the legal or forensic connotation of “advocate or counselor” (John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7). Thus the Paraclete is a witness in defense of Jesus and a spokesman for him in the context of his trial by his enemies; the Parclete is a consoler of the disciples for he takes Jesus’ place among them; the Paraclete is a teacher and guide of the disciples and thus their helper. In other words the Holy Spirit’s mission is one of revealing truth, convicting of sin, and applying the context of Jesus’ teaching to the lives of his disciples to enable them to maintain a vital relationship with God through his personal indwelling presence. It is the same Spirit who takes the leads in guiding and directing the church (Acts 15:1-29; v28), and continually renewing it until it becomes the holy city, the new Jerusalem shining brightly because of the divine indwelling (Rev 21: 10-14, 22-23).
The Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised, “will teach (us) everything and remind (us) of all (I) told you”(John 14:26). The Paraclete is the post- resurrectional personal presence of Jesus in the Christian, in the Church. It is the spirit behind both the continuity and renewal that happened and continues to happen in the Church. If we only have been more discerning of its counsel we will remain on the path of the revealed truth and not be easily swayed by lies and disinformation. Only by then, we can truly experience authentic unity and peace promised by the risen Christ.
