Written criticism – It is better for me to leave, because if I do not leave, the comforter will not come to you

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains in this sermon the meaning of Christ’s words in the Gospel of John: “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you.” Some people think the term “Comforter” refers to a prophet who would come after Christ, but the Pope clarifies that this interpretation is completely wrong, for the Bible clearly shows that the Comforter is the Holy Spirit.

The Comforter promised by Christ cannot be a human, because Jesus said He would abide with you forever, and no human can be present with all believers in every time and place. Christ also said that the world cannot see or know Him, but the believers know Him because He dwells in them, which applies only to the Holy Spirit who lives within the faithful.

Pope Shenouda also reminds that Christ told His disciples: “Do not depart from Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high,” and this was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon them—not through a person coming later.

Furthermore, Christ said about the Comforter: “He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” Therefore, the Comforter does not bring a new religion but glorifies Christ and reveals the divine truth from the Father. Thus, the Comforter is the Holy Spirit of God who dwells in believers and leads them into all truth.

Spiritual Message:
The Holy Spirit is Christ’s gift to His Church. He strengthens faith, gives power, and guides us in holiness. Every believer should live filled with the Spirit, steadfast in Christ, and aware that God dwells within by His Holy Spirit.

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