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* 1.1COnsider 1. Christ having humbled himself so low as the Manger, God his Father would honour him, and make him known to the Shepherds by Angels, and to the Sages by a Star; because He that humbleth himself, shall be exalted. Ponder the words of the Evangelist. And there were in the same
countrey Shepherds watching, and keeping the night-watches over their flock; and behold an Angel of our Lord stood beside them, and the brightnesse of God did shine round about them.
Consider 2. Christ would not be made known to the Wisemen about Bethleem, because they were proud; nor to the rich, because they were covet∣ous; nor to the noble, because they were given to pleasures; but to Shepherds, that is, men that were poor, humble, laborious, vigilant and careful in their office. Be you therefore such an one, and be watchful over your self, that you may deserve to be visited with divine illustrations.
Consider 3. Such a Shepherd or Pastour was St. Thomas, whose Feast you celebrate this day; and therefore the Gospel of the good Shepherd is ap∣plied unto him. For the same reason, Christ ma∣nifested himself unto him after a special manner, towards an eminent degree of Sanctity in this life; and is now seen, and enjoyed by him in the other, to an equal proportion of Glory. See his Zeal for the Church of God; his Constancy in adversity, and Piety in Prosperity; and do your utmost to imitate him. And if you be to receive to day Christ the chief Pastour, in the Holy Eucharist, be∣seech him to instruct you how to feed and govern according to his, and St. Thomas his example, the flock committed to your charge; which in the first place is your own Soul, with all its powers, faculties, and senses; then, those that are under your charge, that by vertue of his divine illustrations you may your self be enlightened all over, and with all be a light to others both by word and example: For as St. Gregory saith.* 1.2 The flame or fire of the Shepherd is the light of the flock.
Luc. 14.11 Luc. 2.8.
Greg. Ep. 32. l. 7.