BELOVED brethren, Let us run through the words of the Gospel Lesson, but briefly, so that we may be able to spend longer in contemplation of the unforgettable events of this solemn festival. For on this day suddenly the Holy Spirit came with a rushing sound upon the disciples, changing their fleshly minds into the nature of his own love; and while outwardly fiery tongues appeared, inwardly their hearts were set ablaze; for they who received God in a vision of fire were inflamed with the bliss of love. For the Holy Spirit is Very Love: as John says, God is love.
HE who yearns for God with all his might does already possess what he loves. Nor is it possible for anyone to have a true love for God if he cannot hold in his possession that which he loves. But now, if any of you were asked whether you loved God, you would reply with all faith and confidence, I do love him. Yet listen to what the Truth says in today's Gospel: If a man loves me, he will keep my words. The proof of love, then, is manifest in works. John says again in his Epistle: If a man says, I love God, and keeps not his commandments. he is a liar.
WE do indeed love God and keep his commandments, when we deny ourselves our passions. For he who allows himself to be dissipated by unlawful desires does not yet love God, for he willfully opposes him. And my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Beloved brethren, consider how great is this honor: to have God arriving as a guest at the inn of your heart.
SURELY if some rich or noble friend were about to arrive at our house, the whole place would be thoroughly cleaned with all haste, lest there should be anything to offend the eye of this friend, Therefore, let him who is preparing the home of his mind for God rub off the dirt of his sinful works. But behold what the Truth says: We will come unto him, and make our abode with him. For he comes to some hearts and yet does not his abode in them: by means of a certain degree of penitence these perceive the presence of God, but the temptations of this present life make them forget their repentance, and so they return again to their evil works, even as though they had never repented.
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