ACC ~ Luke 10 v3

THE DISCIPLES FULFILL ISAIAH’S SAYING

AMBROSE: He says this to the seventy disciples whom he appointed and sent out in pairs before his face. Why did he send them two by two? Pairs of animals were sent into the ark, that is, the female with the male, according to number, unclean [1] but cleansed by the sacrament of the church. … Those animals are opposites, so that the one eats the other. A good shepherd does not know how to fear wolves for his flock, and therefore he sends those disciples not against a prey but to grace. The forethought of the good Shepherd prevents the wolves from harming the lambs. [2] He sends lambs among wolves in order that the saying may be fulfilled, “Then wolves and lambs shall feed together.” [3] EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.44, 46. [4]

[1] Gen 7:2.

[2] Jn 10:12-13.

[3] Is 65:25.

[4] EHG 252**.

DISCIPLES SURVIVE AMONG WOLVES WITH CHRIST AS THEIR SHEPHERD

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: How then does he command the holy apostles, who are innocent men and “sheep,” to seek the company of wolves, and go to them of their own will? Is not the danger apparent? Are they not set up as ready prey for their attacks? How can a sheep prevail over a wolf? How can one so peaceful conquer the savageness of beasts of prey? “Yes,” he says, “for they all have me as their Shepherd: small and great, people and princes, teachers and students. I will be with you, help you, and deliver you from all evil. I will tame the savage beasts. I will change wolves into sheep, and I will make the persecutors become the helpers of the persecuted. I will make those who wrong my ministers to be sharers in their pious designs. I make and unmake all things, and nothing can resist my will.” COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 61. [1]

[1] CGSL 263-64**.