This solid bronze Paraclete Plaque features an imaginative and creative depiction of a dove, a multi-faceted symbol reminding us of God’s grace and covenants as well as His enduring presence in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Paraclete (Greek for “advocate” or “counselor”). The “another Paraclete” of John 14:16 is in many ways another Jesus, the presence of Jesus after Jesus ascends to his Father (Raymond Brown). The plaque itself is versatile and compact at 1.75 inches square. It can be placed on a desk at work, or have a comforting position on a nightstand. This is a solid, sturdy piece at about 8 ounces in weight. The texture of the piece is remarkable, with the dove itself made of solid, radiant bronze and slightly elevated above the rest of the plaque. The rest of the plaque features an earthy, organic patina that mixes green and dark brown. The Paraclete Plaque is a beautiful example of hand-crafted work by an artisan in the old-world style: it is tangibly suffused with the profound spirituality of the artist. This plaque makes an excellent Christian gift for all seasons, but is especially appropriate at Confirmation.
The Paraclete is Our Advocate (John 14:15-27)
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
