On the night of His betrayal, Jesus had many things to say to His disciples (see John 13-17). Among them was His repeated promise that He would send the Holy Spirit. In addition to His description of the Holy Spirit as the "Spirit of truth" (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13), Jesus also spoke of the Spirit as the "Counselor" (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). In some translations, this word is translated "Comforter" or "Helper."

Just what does this name mean? The Greek word used here "Paraclete" is a legal term. In 1 John 2:1 the word is used to describe Jesus: "If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (RSV). When Jesus promised to send "another" Counselor (John 14:16), He was telling us that the Holy Spirit would be given as our advocate, One to help us in our every need.

This work of the Spirit is spoken of often in the letters of St. Paul. The following are but a few examples:

• The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22).
• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13).
• From the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit (2 Thess. 2:13).
• He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior (Titus 3:5b-6).

Jesus still sends His Spirit. In His holy Word, the Spirit is at work creating and sustaining faith. Through that Word, the Spirit continually points us back to Jesus and His work of redemption? just as Jesus said He would (John 14:26; 15:26). By His ongoing renewal, the Holy Spirit keeps us one with the Lord Christ and continues to seal us for the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30).

O God, without whose blessing we are not able to please You, mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and govern our hearts; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Lutheran Worship, p. 80)