Now for the first time we bring to light this sermon, which we have copied from a very ancient codex of the library of the most eminent Francis Xavier de Zelada. It bears the name of St. Maximus at its head, nor is there any room for doubt that he was indeed its author, since annexed to it is found a homily on the birthday of the same St. Stephen, the levite and martyr, which we have edited in its proper place. We have already said that this was the unskillfulness of the copyists of a later age, that they either made one out of several orations, or divided one into several readings. Yesterday we kept the birthday of the Lord and Savior. Today we venerate with the utmost devotion the passion of St. Stephen the martyr. Yesterday, whereby we are redeemed unto reward; today, whereby we are summoned unto example.
Well, then, has yesterday's solemn festival been joined to today's, so that the former might carry believers up to life, and the latter lead confessors to the crown. To the whole Church, therefore, blessed Stephen was given for advancement. While still a layman he merited the election to the diaconate, and as a levite he merited the primacy of martyrdom. He was still placed among the people, but he was so eminent in virtues; he was of humble station, yet lofty in faith; he was a disciple in rank, but he was made a master by his example. Now it is written of him in the Acts of the Apostles that he was appointed by the apostles to the ministry of the widows. And in this, that he was set over the ministry, he obtained the testimony of most holy chastity.
Beatusergoerit, fratrescarissimi, quihuncsectatus, quihuncimitatusfuerit, etpudicitiaepalmam, etmartyriiconsequeturcoronam. DequoetlectioapOstolorumActuum, quæhodienobislectaest, etc.
Blessed therefore will he be, dearest brethren, who follows this man, who imitates this man, and he shall obtain both the palm of chastity and the crown of martyrdom. Of whom also the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, which has today been read to us, etc.