6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER (A)

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.

Jn 14:15-21

v. 16. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.

The single Greek word “parakletos” has many meanings. Its juridical meaning is one who is called to help and defend the accused. He is a defense attorney (or advocate). Related to this role are the roles of consoler and intercessor (or mediator).

In the NT the expression does not appear elsewhere but in John. At times it refers to the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:16.26; 15:26; and 16:7). At other times, it refers to Jesus (1Jn 2:1).

Some interpreters believe that the expression can be understood by looking at the use of the verb “parakaleo” in the NT (Acts 2:40 and 1Cor 14:3). In these passages the Christian is called to remain firm in the midst of difficulties.

In John, however, the juridical sense dominates: the Spirit helps the disciples who are being persecuted by the world (Jn 16:4-15).

“Always”. The gift of the Holy Spirit is given without time limit. He (the Holy Spirit) assures the disciples of continuing communion with Christ who has gives him to them (Mt 28:20).

v. 17. The Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.

The Holy Spirit, given by him who is the truth, helps the disciples to grow in knowledge (Jn 16:13) and to be his witness (Jn 15:27).

The Spirit of truth is opposed to the spirit of error (1Jn 4:5) and to the lying spirit (Jn 8:44) that rules the world.

v. 19. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 

There is another possible translation: “You will see me alive and you also will live.”

While the world, left to its own means of knowing, will be unable to see Jesus beyond his death (Jn 7:34; 8:21), the disciples will experience the presence of the Risen Christ and share his new life, as well as those who will believe on the basis of their testimony.

This knowledge and participation in the life of the Risen One already constitutes eternal life for John.

v. 20. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.

“On that day” is a recurring expression in the OT to designate the coming of the eschatological age (Is 2:17; Jr 4:9; Zc 2:15). The end time begins with the elevation and resurrection of Jesus in which believers participate. This participation is still open to further fulfillment.

Only the relationships which unite the disciples to Jesus allow the discovery of the reality of the relationship with unites Jesus to the Father.

v. 21. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

The one who loves Jesus is the one who knows the commandments of Jesus and puts them into practice with constancy (know-practice). We find other examples of such doublets in Jn 12:47 (listen-observe) and in Jn 5:24 (listen-believe).

This obedience is the expression of love and of faith. It permits one to know in a concrete manner the love of the Father through the manifestation of Christ.

Another translation for “observing” the commandments is “keeping” them.