The fruits and gifts of the Holy Ghost may be easily seen in the effects
the apostles experienced at the coming of the Paraclete. As we noticed,
the apostles were rather worldly in their perceptions of the divine
intentions; they manifested their frailty in many ways during the life of
Christ, so that they were even publicly rebuked by Our Lord. But now they
have become apostolic men; they love poverty, and are content to work at
their humble trade in order not to be a burden on the newly made converts.
As St. Peter asserts, “He desired the money of no man.” They love
sufferings, from which they had so often shrank before. They understand
that to suffer for Christ was great glory and consolation—they who before
had been narrow, selfish, and ready to condemn others, now become full of
charity to all the world. Into their heart the Spirit of love has
descended, and their motto becomes charity towards others. The charity of
Christ is the one motive of all they think and do.
Prayer.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, etc., etc.
Thirty‐first Day.
We see another great change in the apostles by means of the presence of
the Holy Ghost; they surprise us by the bold stand they take before the
Jewish authorities. We know they were timid and cowardly at the
apprehension of Our Lord, and were almost scandalized at His death on the
cross. Now they challenge the Jews with a freedom of speech that the chief
priests are unable to explain; they face the wrath of the Jewish council,
the Sanhedrim; and undismayed they say: “Judge for yourselves if it be
just in the sight of God to hear you, rather than God.” If then the
apostles become such perfect men by the influence of the Holy Ghost, is it
not worth our while also to remain in prayer and meditation on the power
of the Holy Ghost, in order that we too may be changed from such weaklings
and become strong Christians? How little have we in us of this Holy
Spirit, how unwilling we are to suffer, how prone to avoid all that is
opposed to our natural inclinations! This should be different; and it can
only be different by heeding the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. With this
intention and for this purpose let us devote some time, now and then, to
the stirring up within us of the grace of the Holy Ghost.
Prayer.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, etc., etc.
Litany of the Holy Ghost.
(_For Private Devotion Only._)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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