Jesus knew that his life on earth was over. He felt joy that he was returning to the Father but sorrowful that he was leaving his friends, with whom he had shared so much in his short time with them. He also knew that they were confused, as they had no real knowledge of what was to happen the next day. He would have had great compassion for the pain they would experience over his suffering and death. The frightened little group did not seem a very solid foundation for his church.
However, in promising the Advocate he knew that what he had taught them would bear fruit. "Advocate" means a champion or supporter, and the Holy Spirit would be just that. He would guide, nourish and comfort the disciples and steer them into places that they could not have imagined. In today's first reading, Philip and the apostles were calling down that same Spirit on the Samaritans, who hitherto had been despised by the Jews. They now stood equal as believers. At the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:6-21), Peter began his speech with the phrase: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and ourselves…” He continued by exempting the gentiles from all but the barest requirements of Jewish law. The man who had denied his Lord was now providing firm leadership, guided by the Advocate, promised by Jesus.