Page:Ninety-nine homilies of S. Thomas Aquinas upon the epistles and gospels for forty-nine Sundays of the Christian year (IA ninetyninehomili00thom).pdf/152

 tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire,” S. Matt. iii. 10. Secondly, on account of their sweetness, because they refresh the mind with ineffable delight, “I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste,” Cant. ii. 3. Thirdly, on account of profit, because they confer many benefits.

I. The first fruit, Love, has three wonderful virtues. (1) Because the man who eats this fruit is made unconquerable : “ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution ... in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us,” Rom. viii. 35-38. (2) Because every good and evil profits him who is refreshed by this fruit: uWe know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose,” Rom. viii. 28. “All things;” Gloss., things good and evil. (3) Because he who eats such fruit shall not die eternally: “ Charity never faileth,” 1 Cor. xiii. 8.

II. The second fruit, Jot, has likewise three great virtues. (1) Because the eating of this fruit makes men strong to conquer every evil spirit: “ Spiritual joy is one means of conquering the enemy,” S. Anthony. (2) Because it makes men live for ever: “ No joy above the joy of the heart,” Ecclus. xxx. 16. (3) Because it leads those who eat it to the glory of the heavenly kingdom: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost,” Rom. xiv. 17.

III. The third fruit, Peace, likewise has three great virtues. (1) Because it protects man from all evil: “ The peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Philipp, iv. 7. (2) Because it causes men to become sons of God: “ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God,” S. Matt. v. 9. (3) Because in the place where the fruit is found God willingly dwells and rests, “ In Salem p.e., peace] also is His tabernacle,” Psal. lxxvi. 2. IV. The fourth fruit, Long-suffering, or Patience, has also three great virtues. (1) Because the eating of it gives man wisdom : “ He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding,” Prov. xiv. 29. (2) Because it preserves the soul of man : “In patience possess ye your souls,” S. Luke xxi. 19. (3) Because it makes even bitter things sweet, so great