Pentecost Sunday "that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father", the out pouring of the Holy Ghost. On their return from the mount of Olives, the disciples, numbering about one hundred and twenty, went back to the Cenacle, where they all "were persevering in one mind in prayer with the women, and Mary the Mother of Jesus". This "most solemn and most holy day" was the anniversary of the promulgation of the Law on mount Sinai. Consequently a considerable number of foreigners who had flocked to Jerusalem from all parts, were witnesses of the coming of the Holy Ghost. And there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire; and it sat upon every one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak." first addressed the assembly, and become already "fisher of men", brought by the first cast of his net, about three thousand converts into the infant Church. On the following days the twelve met in the Temple under Solomon's porch, and like their divine Master, preached the Gospel and healed the sick. Thus, "the multitude of men and women who believed in the Lord, was more increased". the apostles went forth to proclaim Christ and to give the Holy Ghost to the Samaritans and then to the Gentiles everywhere. While the tongues of fire appeared externally, the hearts of the disciples were enkindled within, and as they beheld God under the appearance of fire, they became aflame with love together with unspeakable sweetness of soul. For the Holy Ghost is love, and therefore St. John says : "God is Charity." Now love is proved by action. St. John says again : Our love for God is genuine if we resist the attractions of pleasure in order to obey Him, and anyone who goes on devoting himself to pleasure does not truly love God, since he acts contrary to His will. Do not think, then, that you love Him unless you prove it by good works. Let your speech, your mind, your whole life be consecrated to the quest for God's love, for in that love inertia has no place" (Homily at Matins). A PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT close your eyes to all the noises of the world in order to enter into yourself.
(which is the temple of the Holy Spirit) speak to that Divine Spirit, saying to Him: guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do; give me Your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me and to accept all that You permit to happen to me. Let me only know Your Will. and full of consolation, even in the midst of trials. Grace will be proportioned to the trial, giving you the strength to carry it and you will arrive at the Gate of Paradise, laden with merit. This submission to the Holy Spirit is the secret of sanctity. "The Holy Ghost - Our Greatest Friend" available in our Store for $1.60 - http://olrl.org/mm5/merchant.mvc . --
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