Another Advocate: Jesus is the first advocate (paraclete); see 1 John 2:1, where Jesus is an advocate in the sense of intercessor in heaven. The Greek term derives from legal terminology for an advocate or defense attorney, and can mean spokesman, mediator, intercessor, comforter, consoler, although no one of these terms encompasses the meaning in John. The Paraclete in John is a teacher, a witness to Jesus, and a prosecutor of the world, who represents the continued presence on earth of the Jesus who has returned to the Father.
First of all, I Jn. 2:1 speaks of Jesus as being our "advocate" with the Father. In this Jesus is the one who speaks in our "defense" to the Father - sort of like a defense attorney. You are correct that it is a "legal" term. However, John 14:16, 26, 15:26 and 16:7 speak of it as a "comforter" or "counselor" rather than as an attorney. This "comforter" is the Spirit Jesus promised to them at Pentecost, who is to recall to their mind all things that Jesus taught them, not as a "teacher". This is the "Holy Spirit" spoken of in the Bible. That is my take on those verses, in context.
As a Catholic I accept the Pope as my current Advocate.
Hmmm...What's wrong with having Jesus as your Advocate to the Father that you have to have a mere mortal man as your Advocate?
Knowing the history of the written Word I accept his better understanding of its origins and meanings than that of the laity who have limited knowledge, understanding, resources and Spiritual assistance.
If you know the history of the written Word, why do you say that you have to have someone else to turn to? Or is it that you actually don't really understand the history you say you know? I agree with you that the laity have very limited knowledge and understanding of the Word. But they do have the resources available if they would simply look around and study those resources - and pray a lot for some spiritual assistance, for God has promised that if they have the Spirit of Christ in them they will have the best of assistance. However, again, I find the laity of most churches too lazy to do any study on their own. And as to whose fault that is, well, leadership comes to mind.
Judge for yourself:
Is it reasonable to debate a man who upon hearing why I defer to the Pope, asks why I defer to the Pope?
My interpretation is as Jesus spoke. John 14 is a dialog between Jesus and his disciples regarding what happens after He is no longer with them here on earth. Jesus assures them that when needed or asked for by those who believe God will send an Advocate;
The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name--he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you"