And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;
All Commentaries on John 14:16 Go To John 14
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Paraclete. This is a comforter: or also an advocate: inasmuch as by inspiring prayer, he prays, as it were, in us, and pleads for us.
For ever. Hence it is evident, that this spirit of truth was not only promised to the persons of the apostles, but also to their successors, through all generations. (Challoner)
I have not changed the word Paraclete, which signifies, both and advocate and a comforter. He shall remain with you, and in you, for ever. What greater happiness, what greater security for the faithful, than to have this divine promise, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, remaining with the Church for ever, to protect her, and preserve her from all errors and heresies? (Witham)
If the Holy Spirit had been promised only to the apostles, their successors could not have challenged the promise. But the promises and privileges were not merely personal, but attached to their office perpetually. Hence, the Holy Spirit, in every age and clime, perpetually watches over the Catholic Church, and preserves her from both open and secret attacks of her enemies.
