"It had been foretold that the dry land should of a sudden be fertilized by the water of grace: "that which was dry land shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water" (Isaias xxxv. 7); and this came to pass at the descent of the Holy Spirit, who, through the labors of the Apostles, irrigated all the dry and barren earth. From the day of Pentecost streams of graces and blessings watered the desert and all the dry land. Nor was the Holy Spirit merely a living fountain, but also a great river, filling many other rivers; that is to say, the Apostles and the first disciples. And St. Ambrose says that, whilst the Spirit is compared to water because of His tendency to diffuse Himself, He is also compared to a river because of the abundance of this diffusion. This was manifested in the case of the Apostles on the day of Pentecost; for by their labors charity was diffused throughout the whole world, and it is by the Holy Spirit that "the charity of God is poured forth." St. Chrysostom observes, that, because of the abundance of grace, it is not said that charity is "given," but that it is "poured forth." The Holy Spirit, he adds, pours forth a fount of good things, fully and with abundance." Scotti, Meditations.
CALL TO ACTION: Pray for the Gift of Piety.
The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake, persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority: His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.
Source of quotation: "Fountain of Living Water" by Rev. A. A. Lambing LL.D., pages 54-55; Fr. Pustet & Co. Publishers and Booksellers (copyright 1907); Nihil Obstat: Remigius Lafort, S.T.L., Censor; Imprimatur: John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York
Photo by Diego Jimenez