In a few weeks, we’ll celebrate Pentecost Sunday. It’s the day in the church calendar devoted to remembering the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised a helper to us and to him. Someone to remind us of everything that he (Jesus) taught. Someone whose name is comforter.

It’s interesting that when we’re working so hard to measure up, to be spiritual enough, to have courage, to be strong, God’s presence with us is called helper and comforter.

As if, perhaps, someone remembers that life has hardness and what we need isn’t a stiff upper lip. It’s a divine hug.