His name. Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit of God.
His work. To aid Christ's people. How does He do so? By helping their prayers (Rom. viii. 26). By giving counsel, e.g. showing how to speak to adversaries (St. Matt. x. 19, 20), of which Stephen is an example (Acts vi. 10). By strengthening their souls to do right; hence called the Comforter or Strengthener. Also by revealing the things of God.
11. The Result (18-27). Consolations of Christ's people. Comfort by His continual presence. Life present and future because of union with Him.
Lessons. 1. Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.
2. If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of His.
May 7th.—The Vine and the Branches.
To read—St. John xv. 1-16. Golden Text—Ver. 5.
This parable one of two only in this Gospel. Spoken in court of Temple after leaving Passover Feast.
I. The Parable (1-8). The Vine itself must be good and true, planted in soil prepared for it. Husbandman places, cares for, and watches over it. Unfruitful branches must be cut off, fruitful ones purged—to produce more fruit—dead ones burned. Much fruit redounds to glory of husbandman.
The meaning. Christ Himself is the true ideal Vine, doing always such things as please God. The husbandman is God, who placed Him in the world (iii. 16) and watched over Him (St. Matt. iii. 17). The branches are believers joined to Him by living faith. Fruit—the graces of a Christian life.