“The Sheep and the Wolves” by St. Thomas Aquinas

S. Luke x.3 – “Behold I send you forth as lambs among wolves.” In these words three things are to be noted. Firstly, the confidence which is given to the saints – “I send you.” Secondly, their innocence – “as lambs.” Thirdly, the malice of the wicked – “among wolves.”

I. On the first head is to be noted the confidence of the saints from their Master, “I send you for forth” – I Who am – Good; that I may be willing to defend you. “I am the Good Shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (S. John x.11), for their defence. Wise; that I may know how to defend them. “While I was with them I kept them” (S. John xvii.12). Omnipotent; that I may be able to deliver them. “He shall gather the lambs with His arm” (Isa. xl.11). The arm signifies strength, so it means, He shall defend them by His strength.

II. On the second head, is to be noted the innocency of the saints, who are called “lambs” for three reasons. Firstly, on account of their simplicity. “Be ye humble as doves”(S. Matt. x. 16). Secondly, on account of their innocency. “Giving no offence in anything” (2 cor. vi.3). Thirdly, on account of their meekness. “I was like a lamb brought to the slaughter” (Jer. xi. 19).

III. On the third head is to be noted the malice of the wicked, who are called “wolves” for three reasons. Firstly, on account of worthlessness. The wolf is a rapacious animal, and therefore it signifies the worthlessness of harming by evil things. “A wolf of the evening shall spoil them” (Jer. v.6). Secondly, on account of envy. The wolf has a lowering countenance, it gives tongue to a man if it sees him before it is seen by him, and therefore it signifies envy. “An evil beast (that is, envy) hath devoured him” (Gen. xxxvii.33). Thirdly, the wolf is a cruel animal, and it signifies the cruelty of the wicked. “Her judges are evening wolves” (zeph. iii.3) Blessed is the holy one, innocent and gentle as a lamb, yet guarded by wisdom and goodness, and led to the fold of eternal life.

(Homily on the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist)