merits of Christ. " I will ask the Father," he says, "and He shall give you another Paraclete." (John xiv. 16.) The third motive was, to perfect the work of our redemption by bestowing on us the gifts of his divine grace, thus enabling us to obtain heaven.
II. Nothing can be more excellent or divine than this gift, for it is nothing less than God Himself. " The charity of God is poured out into our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, Who is given to us." (Rom. v. 5.) With Himself, therefore, He gives us all good things, for the Holy Ghost is, as the Church sings, "the bestower of gifts, and the light of our hearts." " He that believeth in me (as the Scripture saith), out of His belly shall flow rivers of living water. Now this He said of the Spirit, which they should receive, who believed in Him." (John vii. 39.)
III. To whom is this divine Spirit given? First, to poor, illiterate fishermen; for God is the Father of the poor, "and His communication is with the simple." (Prov. iii. 32.) Secondly, He is given to all faithful souls, who fervently desire this gift. " I will pour out My spirit upon all flesh," says God, by the prophet Joel. (Joel ii. 28.) Pray therefore, with a fervent desire, and prepare yourself worthily, in order that this divine guest may come and abide with you forever.
