Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, etc., etc.
Sixteenth Day.
At length the retreat of the apostles was over; they were still assembled in that upper room, the time for the appearance of the Holy Spirit had arrived, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity was to come in His sevenfold power to dwell in the Church of God forever, as well as in the hearts of all its faithful members. The Holy Ghost came like a mighty wind, and filled the whole house, and descended on those present in the form of fiery tongues. How devoutly did they receive the Holy Spirit! With what acts of adoration did they greet the visible presence of the great Comforter, the Paraclete, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity! For this they had been waiting and praying, for this they had remained away from the distractions of the world, so that they might undisturbed feel the power of God in themselves. The Holy Ghost came in the form of tongues of fire, the same fire of which Our Lord spoke when He exclaimed, “I am come to send fire on the earth, and what is My will but that it be kindled?” It was the fire of charity—the charity of Christ, by which we endeavor to save our souls, and the souls of others.
Prayer.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, etc., etc.
Seventeenth Day.
The Holy Ghost appeared under the form of tongues of fire, to show us that out of charity we should raise our voice in the propagation and defence of truth. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit obliges us to correct others, and to lead them gently on in the way of salvation. Not only had the apostles this obligation, but the priest must preach, the father and the mother instruct their children, and the master guide those under him. It is this sacred fire that will make the faithful listen with respect to their pastors, and practise their religion; children will be induced to be docile to their parents, and subjects will be respectful to those in authority. This burning fire will purify all men, for the fire of divine love has a power to consume the gnawing vices of selfishness, indolence, and jealousy; it will burn up the materials on which our passions feed.
Prayer.