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.”
Chapter LXXXVIII.
ELECTION AND ORDINATION OF DEACONS— STEPHEN
THE FIRST MARTYR.
[Acts 6 to 7.]
As the number of the disciples increased, it happened that some poor widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Hence[1] 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[2]. Therefore, brethren, look out among you seven men of good reputation[3], full of the Holy Ghost and of wisdom, whom we may appoint[4] 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[5] 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 [6], but even they were no match for the marvellous wisdom[7] with which he spoke.
- ↑ Hence. In order to guard against similar oversights in the future.
- ↑ Serve tables. Hitherto the apostles, as the rulers of the Church, had superintended the distribution of alms; but as the number of the faithful increased daily, they no longer had time to look after the temporal needs of the poor without neglecting the preaching of the word of God, the instruction of those who were preparing for baptism, and the worship of God in the several quarters of the city.
- ↑ Of good reputation. Being respected and trusted by everyone. Those chosen had also to be “full of the Holy Ghost”, for the office which it was the intention of the apostles to confer on them was not a civil but an ecclesiastical and spiritual office. The deacons were to combine instruction and preaching with the distribution of alms, and were to minister not only to the bodily, but also to the spiritual wants of the poor. They were to be men of “wisdom”, so as to be able to direct and do everything in the best way.
- ↑ Appoint. Giving them full discretion as to the distribution of alms (money, food and clothing).
- ↑ Imposed hands. Having approved the choice, they consecrated or ordained them by prayer and the imposition of hands.
- ↑ Dispute with him. About matters of faith.
- ↑ Wisdom. For the Holy Ghost put into his heart what he should say.
