Preparing For The Spirit

Legimus Dominum discipulis praecepiise ut turbas per contubernia discumbere fecissent, quinquagenos et quinquagenos; quos omnes unius panis soliditate refici volebat. Quinquagenarius numerus, in quo lex data est, ipse Spiritus Paraclitus a Patre et Filio missus, qui in centum viginti nomina descendit, remissionem peccatorum significat: quam omnes fideles in ipsius sancti Spiritus gratia accipiunt, primo in sacramento baptismatis; secundo in poenitentiae lacrymis, quibus anima peccatrix abluta ad visionem Dei Salvatoris pervenire merebitur dicente ipsa Veritate: Beati mundo corde, quoniam ipsi Deum videbunt. Ecce nunc tempus acceptabile, ecce nunc dies salutis. Mundemus nos ab omni inquinamento carnis et spiritus, perficientes salutem animarum nostrarum.' Haec vero scientes et optime intelligentes, charissimi fratres, nil sordidum in vestra remaneat conscientia, sive de carnis fragilitate contractum, sive de spiritus inquietudine infectum, ut dignam in cordibus vestris Spirits sanctus sibi inveniat habitationem. Nullam malignus hostis in vestra bona conversatione inveniat suae malitiae partem, nec aditum quem quaerit, reperiat vestris in cordibus; sed omni custodia animas vestras confirmate in charitatis munimine, in tutela obedientiae, in muro humilitatis, in castitatis observatione, in sanctae pacis conjunctione. Viriliter pugnate contra antiquum hostem, et communibus manibus debellate eum, qui 'rugiens circuit, quarens quem devorat. Portate in frontibus vexillum crucis, et in cordibus charitatis munimenta, et catholicae fidei firmamentum. Spe firma vosmetipsos erigite ad Deum, et nihil contra vestram valet unanimitatem illius insidiosa calliditas. Alcuinus, Epistola CXI, Ad Fratres in Gothia Source: Migne PL 100.335a-c

We read that the Lord commanded the disciples to make the troubled crowds sit down in groups of fifty when He wished to refresh them all with the one firm bread. 1 Fifty was the number on which the Law was given, 2 the same when the Spirit and Paraclete was sent by the Father and the Son, He who descended on one hundred and twenty, 3 signifying the remission of sins, by which all the faithful receive grace by the same Holy Spirit, first in the sacrament of baptism and secondly in tearful penance by which the sinful soul is cleansed so that it might merit to come to the vision of God, as the Truth says 'Blessed are the Pure in heart, for they shall see God.' 4 'Behold now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.' 'Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting the salvation of our souls.' 5 These things truly knowing and well understanding, dearest brothers, let nothing sordid remain in your souls, let no weakness of flesh press upon you, let no unquiet temper infect you, so that the Holy Spirit may discover in your hearts a worthy habitation. Let not the malignant enemy discover in your speech any part of wickedness, nor find any way in which he may enter into your hearts, but strengthen your hearts so that your souls are guarded with powerful love and protective obedience, with the wall of humility and the observance of chastity, all in conjunction with sacred peace. Fight manfully against the old enemy and with shared hands conquer him who 'goes around roaring, looking for someone to devour.' 6 Bear on your brows the banner of the cross and in your hearts the bulwark of charity and the strength of the Catholic Faith. With firm hope build yourself up to God and let no insidious cunning prevail against your unity. Alcuin of York, from Letter 111, To The Brothers in Gothia 1 Lk 9.14 2 According to rabbinic tradition the Law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover, celebrated at the feast of Shavuot 3 Acts 1.15 4 Mt 5.8 5 2 Cor 6.2,7.1 6 1 Pet 5.8