Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, etc., etc.
Twenty-sixth Day.
We have now meditated on the gifts of the Holy Ghost. We see how generous the adorable Spirit is. He is constantly giving Himself and yet is never exhausted, so that we are rich indeed by the goodness of the Holy Ghost. Our mind is enlightened, [pg 352] and we pray to the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and to enkindle in them the fire of divine love. Before all our actions we call on the sacred Spirit to help us, so that our actions may be done well, an honor to God and a source of merit to ourselves. On the feast of Pentecost we celebrate other gifts: as the gift of “language,” which is the means by which the Gospel is spread all over the world. Again was given by the Holy Ghost the gift of “healing.” The first Christians were able to work miracles. We have lost confidence; had we the same strong faith many wonders would also happen at our bidding.
Prayer.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, etc., etc.
Twenty-seventh Day.
The Holy Ghost has also other gifts in store for us, gifts which are called fruits—as if from this divine tree were growing a variety of different virtues, diffused from united efforts. There must be some result from this expenditure of power, and when we are good Christians we will certainly enjoy these gifts and fruits: they will grow on the tree of the Holy Ghost and will be reproduced in our hearts. These fruits are twelve in number: Charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, and chastity. Charity is a love and kindness towards all mankind; we love all the members of the human family and we are interested in their welfare; we are continually searching for means to help them, and all for the one purpose: the good of their immortal [pg 353] souls. By this virtue we are moved to share our goods with others, contenting ourselves with what is necessary. Another beautiful fruit of the Holy Ghost is eternal joy. Our souls are continually rejoicing in God, Who is our great reward.
Prayer.