Twenty-fifth Day
The gift on which we wish to meditate to-day in honor of the giver, the Holy Ghost, is the fear of the Lord. Remember that it is said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; we need then this holy gift, that by it we may remain in subjection and reverence to the adorable majesty of God. We acknowledge our littleness and leave ourselves entirely in the hands of God; we are afraid of committing sin, we are cautious, lest by an act or thought we may offend almighty God; we are careful to submit ourselves to His holy will; we see our faults, and we lament that we are so full of sin, when we ought, with His grace, to improve in His service. We must stand in dread of the Judgment and also of ourselves, because we fall so readily into sin that we know not whether we are worthy of love or hatred from almighty God; but when we fall it is our own fault, for we depend too much on ourselves; we are wicked because we prefer evil to good, and would rather serve the devil than God. Let us learn this salutary fear of God, and acquire a delicacy of conscience.
Prayer.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, etc., etc.