Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/815

 that  is,  after  his  Baptism  he  was  no  longer  a sinner,  but  a child  and friend of  God,  and  an  heir  to  heaven.

Good works  performed  in  a state  of  sin.  During  the  three  days before he  was  baptized,  Saul  fasted  rigorously  and  prayed  without ceasing. He was  perhaps  all  this  time  in  a state  of  sin,  for  he  had not yet  received  holy  Baptism  and  with  it  sanctifying  grace. Were then his works  of  prayer  and  penance  of  no  value? No! they  were  not without value,  for  they  obtained  for  him  the  grace  of  a greater  knowledge of  himself,  a deeper  sense  of  contrition,  and  an  ardent  desire  for Baptism and  reconciliation  with  God;  all  of  which  prepared  him  better for the  reception  of  the  holy  Sacrament  of  regeneration.

Christians should  be  Saints.  Ananias  called  the  disciples  in  Jerusalem “saints”. And why? Because they  had  been  made  holy  in  Baptism, and led  holy  lives.

You too  have  persecuted  and  injured  your Divine Lord  by  sins  against  your  neighbours  who  are  His  disciples. Have you  deeply  repented  of  these  sins  as  Saul  did,  and  amended your ways  as  sincerely  as  he  did? Make a firm  resolution  never again to  commit  a wilful  sin. Remember whom  you  offend  when you sin,  even  your  Lord  and  Saviour,  the  King  of  everlasting glory. Often make  the  ejaculation:  “My  Jesus,  mercy!’’

FTER the  conversion  of  Saul,  the  Church  enjoyed  peace for a while  throughout  Judaea  and  Samaria  and  Galilee. Peter went  about  among  the  faithful,  making  a general  visitation, encouraging and  confirming  them  in  the  faith. During this  journey he performed  two  great  miracles.

At Lydda  there  was  a man,  named  Eneas,  who  had  kept his bed  for  eight  years,  being  afflicted  with  palsy. Peter said  to him:  “Eneas,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  healeth  thee. Arise, and