Much of what Jesus said in his long farewell address during the Last Supper, part of which we hear in today’s Gospel, must have been hard for the disciples to understand at first. His disciples were full of questions – some of which we hear in today’s Gospel. They had not yet experienced the Passion, the Cross, the Resurrection, nor received the Holy Spirit. He speaks openly of his unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the advocate.
The most amazing point in what he proclaims is that each of us is part of that experience of love that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share. God loves us so much that the Trinity comes to dwell within each of us. This is not a momentary vision or the sending of a spirit or angel to visit us or be at our side for a time. Jesus says that God comes to dwell within us. This is the center point of our Easter joy as Christians. Jesus rose victorious over sin and death and has incorporated us in that victory. The love of God for us is so great that He comes to dwell within us. Through the action of the Holy Spirit, we are inserted into the life of love of the Father, Son, and Spirit.
The disciples were able to overcome their initial questions and doubts by opening themselves up to this indwelling. They become signs of that joy.