Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/800

 worldliness,  pleasure  and  pride? Each morning  at  Mass,  during the priest’s  communion,  say:  “Come,  O Jesus,  into  my  heart;  reign in it,  and  drive  from  it  all  that  is  displeasing  to  Thee. Make it humble,  pure,  and  holy.”

s the  number  of  the  disciples  increased,  it  happened  that some poor  widows  were  neglected  in  the  daily  distribution. Hence it  was  that  the  apostles,  calling  together  the  multitude of the  disciples,  said: “It  is  not  fit  that  we  should  leave  the  word of God,  and  serve  tables. Therefore, brethren,  look  out  among you seven  men  of  good  reputation,  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and of wisdom,  whom  we  may  appoint  over  this  business.”

This proposal  was  pleasing  to  the  disciples. They chose Stephen, a man  full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  with  Philip and five  others. These they  presented  to  the  apostles,  who  prayed over them,  and  imposed  hands  upon  them.

Stephen, full  of  grace  and  power,  did  great  wonders  amongst the people. Some of  the  most  learned  of  the  doctors,  envying  his fame, began  to  dispute  with  him,  but  even  they  were  no  match for the  marvellous  wisdom  with  which  he  spoke.