The Advocate: Reflections of a Roman Catholic Woman Priest

In this week’s Gospel readings Jesus physically leaves the disciples but sends the Holy Spirit to remain with them. (John 14-17 and Mark 16). He is sending the Holy Spirit- The Spirit of Truth and the Advocate to be with them always (John 14:6). The disciples are lost at his physical leaving and still have to learn what the Presence of the Holy Spirit can and does do. Through the Advocate we who follow Jesus will be able to discern what is right and just, and have the strength to do what is needed to work for justice and right. At the same time he commands the disciples, to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature”. We can do this only with the strength, inspiration, support, nudging, and guidance of the Holy Spirit within and all around us.

How blessed are we to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to do what we never could do on our own. We consider today’s world with its divisions and polarizations, its immense possibilities for both right and wrong, and its every day choices that make a difference. We must pray for the guidance and presence of God’s Holy Spirit Whose essence is Love to help us discern and do what is right and just, and ultimately loving. This ranges from every day living decisions to decisions on what is Christ-like in the wider arenas of life- including the political arena. Jesus prayed that we will be consecrated (made holy) in God’s spirit, in the spirit of Truth, and not in the spirit of this world that so often has little to do with love or truth. ( John 17:11-19). How do we bring the Spirit into every decision we must make and discern right in every choice given us. My cousin recently asked me how can Christians support a political candidate who is untruthful, almost hateful of immigrants and other groups, and clearly narcissistic ? I did not have an answer beyond their following one statement or promise to the neglect of all else that is right. Her question is a good one for all to consider.

An excellent example of a person seeking and following the leading of the Holy Spirit to develop services and housing for homeless people, both in Hartford, Connecticut and Fort Myers, Florida is the story of Rev. Judy Beaumont. Her story is in several places but most fully in “The Courage to Love and Serve: The Life Story of Rev. Judith Ann Beaumont–A Roman Catholic Woman Priest and A Saint For Our Times” by Judith A. B. Lee, 2020, Outskirts Press, Inc.

My prayer is” Our loving God, fill us with Your most Holy Spirit so not our will but yours is accomplished. Help us to discern when we are acting in the spirit of this world, in the spirit of self and power, and not in Your Love. Help us to support what is right, just and loving in every arena of life.” Amen

Blessings to All who seek to Know and Do God’s Will,

Rev. Dr. Judy Lee, RCWP

5/8/2024