As many know, Sydney and I facilitate programming to support Rainbow Allyship. While allyship is an important ideal, we don’t stop there. We believe that to truly respect the dignity of every human being, we need to engage in work that transforms the unjust structures of society, challenges violence of every kind, and pursues peace and reconciliation. In short, we assert that the ideal is a willingness to engage in advocacy, standing alongside marginalised communities as they fight for justice and inclusion. This past Friday, as we gathered in the hall to write letters to politicians as part of the week of action for Rainbow equality, we were engaging in advocacy, supporting the Rainbow community in their efforts to live freely and fully who they are.
Jesus said: ‘When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.’
In this text, Jesus is preparing the disciples for his departure from this world. They will no longer experience his physical presence as they have throughout his ministry and following his resurrection. Still, God does not leave us orphaned. The Holy Spirit becomes an ongoing presence, a way for God to continue to have a relationship with the world.
It is interesting to note that the descriptive term Jesus uses for the Holy Spirit here is ‘Advocate’. According to Miriam-Webster, an advocate is one who defends or maintains a cause or proposal. It is someone who supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group. In using the term ‘Advocate’ in relation to the Holy Spirit, Jesus suggests the One to come is connected to what has already happened and points to what will be. The Advocate, who steps in as Jesus leaves, is the voice of Truth, the voice of Love that persists in this world. The Advocate seeks a relationship with humanity that inspires, and advocates on behalf of the ongoing efforts of those who follow the Way of Jesus. The Advocate continues to build upon the work of Jesus.
The Advocate continues to build on the work of Jesus and provides support for others to advocate as well because the physical presence of Jesus was never meant to establish a feel-good gathering of people who could stay in the upper room, reminisce, and offer each other hospitality. Jesus didn’t come to build a glorified country club with a shared interest in stories about his life, death, and resurrection. Jesus came to provide a foundation on which the Kingdom of God could be glimpsed through the inspired, courageous, and persistent efforts of those who follow The Way of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said: ‘When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.
The Advocate supports the ongoing work of the disciples, and the Church. The Holy Spirit stands alongside us, challenging us and inspiring us to engage in acts of love, acts of advocacy today. Through the Holy Spirit we are strengthened and transformed to use our gifts to offer glimpses of the Kingdom of God already present and not yet fulfilled.
Jesus, God, gives us the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, so that we can be advocates, respecting the dignity of every human being, walking alongside those who need support, and willingly engaging in efforts to transform unjust structures, challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.
The Advocate continues to come to us not only as we celebrate Pentecost, but every day. May the Truth set free our hearts so that, through our ongoing relationship with God, we may advocate for The Way of Jesus Christ today. This we pray as we sing: 656 She Comes Sailing on the Wind