THERE is good
reason to believe that St Stephen was one of the seventy-two disciples of our
Blessed Lord. After the Ascension he was chosen one of the seven deacons. The
ministry of the seven was very fruitful; but Stephen especially, "full of
grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people." Many
adversaries rose up to dispute with him, but "they were not able to
withstand the wisdom and the spirit that spoke." At length he was brought
before the Sanhedrim, charged; like his Divine Master, with blasphemy against
Moses and against God." He boldly upbraided the chief priests with their
hard-hearted resistance to
the Holy Ghost and with the murder of the "Just One." They were stung
with anger, and gnashed the teeth against him. But when "filled with the
Holy Ghost and looking up to heaven, he cried out, 'Behold, I see the heavens
opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God,' they rushed upon
him, and dragging him forth without the city, they stoned him to death."
REFLECTION.—If ever you are tempted to resentment, pray from your
heart for him who has offended you.
INTERCESSORY
PRAYER: Today, ask Saint
Stephen to give us the courage to be witnesses of the Catholic in heart and in
action and to be bold witnesses even when it means we will be ridiculed,
persecuted or even put to death for our faith.
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