ACC ~ John 15 v26a

THE COMFORTER IS WITH US IN OUR TROUBLES

CYRIL OF JERUSALEM: He is called the Comforter because he comforts and encourages us and helps our infirmities. We do not know what we should pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered, [1] that is, he makes intercession to God. Very often, someone has been outraged and dishonored unjustly for the sake of Christ. Martyrdom is at hand; tortures on every side, and fire, and sword, and savage beasts and the pit. But the Holy Spirit softly whispers to him, “Wait on the Lord.” [2] What is now happening to you is a small matter; the reward will be great. Suffer a little while, and you will be with angels forever. “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that shall be revealed in us.” [3] He portrays to the person the kingdom of heaven. He gives him a glimpse of the paradise of delight. CATECHETICAL LECTURES 16.20. [4]

[1] Rom 8:26.

[2] Ps 27:14 (26:14 LXX).

[3] Rom 8:18.

[4] NPNF 2 7:120**.

THE OFFICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS “COMFORTER

” DIDYMUS THE BLIND: He calls the Holy Spirit the Comforter, a name taken from his office, which is not only to relieve the sadness of the faithful but also to fill them with unspeakable joy. Everlasting gladness is in those hearts in which the Spirit dwells. The Spirit, the Comforter, is sent by the Son, not as angels, or prophets or apostles are sent, but as the Spirit must be sent, which is of one nature with the divine wisdom and power that sends him. The Son, when sent by the Father, is not separated from him but abides in the Father and the Father in him. In the same way the Holy Spirit is not sent by the Son and proceeds from the Father, in the sense of change of place. For as the Father’s nature, being incorporeal, is not local, so neither does the Spirit of truth, who is incorporeal also, and superior to all created things, have a local nature. ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 25. [1]

[1] PL 23:125-26.

SON IS INTERCESSOR, SPIRIT IS COMFORTER

ORIGEN: The name Paraclete seems to be understood in the case of our Savior as meaning intercessor. For he is said to intercede with the Father because of our sins. [1] In the case of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete must be understood in the sense of comforter because he bestows consolation on the souls to whom he openly reveals the apprehension of spiritual knowledge. ON FIRST PRINCIPLES 2.7.4. [2]

[1] 1 Jn 2:1-2.

[2] ANF 4:286*; GCS 22(5):152.

THE SPIRIT AS LIFE-GIVING WATER FROM HEAVEN

IRENAEUS: The Lord promised to send the Comforter who would join us to God. For as a compacted lump of dough cannot be formed of dry wheat without liquid, nor can a loaf possess unity, so, in the same way, neither could we, being many, be made one in Christ Jesus without the water from heaven. And as dry earth does not produce fruit unless it receives moisture, in the same way we also, being originally a dry tree, could never have produced life-bearing fruit without the voluntary rain from above. AGAINST HERESIES 3.17.2. [1]

[1] ANF 1:444-45; SC 34:304.