to help you lose to win
"If you love Me and obey the commands I give you, I will ask the Father and He will give you another Paraclete - to be with you always: the Spirit of truth." -John 14:15-17
A paraclete is someone who helps us, usually in the context of a legal trial. For example, a paraclete could be a lawyer or a witness on our behalf. A paraclete must be convincing to the judge or jury, or he would not help us win the case. However, the Paraclete Whom the Father sends us is not accepted by the world "since it neither sees Him nor recognizes Him" (Jn 14:17). Therefore, the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, doesn't help us win our case on earth. Rather, He is with us and within us so we will have the strength to remain faithful when unjustly persecuted and condemned (see Jn 14:17). While we lose our case on earth, we will be more than conquerors in life (Rm 8:37). While the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, will help us be condemned rather than acquitted on earth, He will make us holy so that, on the final Judgment Day, Jesus the Judge will give the verdict: "Well done! You are a good and faithful servant!" (Mt 25:21, our transl) "Come. You have My Father's blessing! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world" (Mt 25:34).
Come, Holy Spirit, the Paraclete! Help us be condemned in this trial so as to be acquitted in the final judgment.
Prayer: Father, show me those on whom I am to lay hands so that they receive the Holy Spirit (see Acts 8:17).
Promise: "Should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply, but speak gently and respectfully." —1 Pt 3:15
Praise: Praise Jesus, Who "died and came to life again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living" (Rm 14:9).
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, October 9, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 17, 1998