Luke 2:8 (WEB)
There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
Catechism · 3
Heaven and Earth
“Again, it is the angels who "evangelize" by proclaiming the Good News of Christ's Incarnation and Resurrection.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Lk 2:8-14; Mk 16:5-7.
"Conceived by the Power of the Holy Spirit and Born of the Virgin Mary"
- §486Paragraph 2 · "Conceived by the Power of the Holy Spirit and Born of the Virgin Mary"Read at vatican.va
“The Father's only Son, conceived as man in the womb of the Virgin Mary, is "Christ", that is to say, anointed by the Holy Spirit, from the beginning of his human existence, though the manifestation of this fact takes place only progressively: to the shepherds, to the magi, to John the Baptist, to the disciples.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Mt 1:20; 2:1-12; Lk 1:35; 2:8-20; Jn 1:3 1-34; 2:11.
The Mysteries of Christ's Life
“In this poverty heaven's glory was made manifest.” — Catechism footnote: Cf. Lk 2:8-20.
Fathers and councils · 16
Irenaeus of Lyons
“And the angels, in like manner, announced tidings of great joy to the shepherds who were keeping watch by night.” — editor's note: Luke ii. 8.
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Augustine of Hippo
“For the Lord was born at night from the womb of the Virgin Mary; the testimony of the shepherds doth assert this, who were “keeping watch over their flock.”” — editor's note: Luke ii. 7, 8.
Read the whole commentChapter V.—A Statement of the Manner in Which Luke’s Procedure is Proved to Be in Harmony with Matthew’s in Those Matters Concerning the Conception and the Infancy or Boyhood of Christ, Which are Omitted by the One…
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Jerome
“Thence we shall pass to the folds of the shepherds, we shall pray together in the mausoleum of David.” — editor's note: Luke ii. 8.
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Tertullian
“Let the shepherds take better care of their flock, and let the wise men spare their legs so long a journey; let them keep their gold to themselves.” — editor's note: Luke ii. 8.
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Catena Aurea on Luke
- Ambrose of MilanCatena Aurea on Luke
Observe with what care God builds up our faith. An Angel teaches Mary; an Angel teaches Joseph; an Angel the shepherds also, of whom it is said, And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field.
Read the whole comment - John ChrysostomCatena Aurea on Luke
To Joseph the Angel appeared in a dream, as to one who might be easily brought to believe, but to the shepherds in visible shape as to men of a ruder nature. But the Angel went not to Jerusalem, sought not for…
Read the whole comment - BedeCatena Aurea on Luke
No where in the whole course of the Old Testament do we find that the Angels who so constantly appear to the Patriarchs, came with light. This privilege was rightly kept for this time when there arose in the darkness…
Read the whole comment - A Greek expositorCatena Aurea on Luke
They were alarmed at the miracle, as it follows, And they were afraid, &c. But the Angel dispels their rising fears. He not only soothes their terrors, but pours gladness into their hearts; for it follows, For,…
Read the whole comment - Cyril of AlexandriaCatena Aurea on Luke
But that which is in the middle, namely, Christ, has reference to the adoration, and signifies not the nature, but the compound substance of two natures. For on Christ our Saviour we confess the anointing to have…
Read the whole comment - A Greek expositorCatena Aurea on Luke
He marks the time of our Lord’s nativity, when he says, To-day, and the place when he adds, In the city of David; and the signs thereof when it follows, And there shall be a sign, &c. Now the Angels bring tidings to…
Read the whole comment - BedeCatena Aurea on Luke
The infancy of the Saviour was impressed upon us, both by frequent heraldings of Angels and testimonies of Evangelists, that we might be the more deeply penetrated in our hearts by what has been done for us. And we…
Read the whole comment - Maximus the ConfessorCatena Aurea on Luke
But if perhaps the swaddling clothes are mean in thy eyes, admire the Angels singing praises together. If thou despisest the manger, raise thy eyes a little, and behold the new star in heaven proclaiming to the world…
Read the whole comment - Gregory the GreatCatena Aurea on Luke
It was in a mystery that the Angel appeared to the shepherds while they were watching, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, implying that they are thought worthy above the rest to see sublime things who…
Read the whole comment - BedeCatena Aurea on Luke
For in a mystery, those shepherds, and their flocks, signify all teachers and guides of faithful souls. The night in which they were keeping watch over their flocks, indicates the dangerous temptations from which…
Read the whole comment - OrigenCatena Aurea on Luke
But if we would rise to a more hidden meaning, I should say, that there were certain shepherd angels, who direct the affairs of men, and while each one of them was keeping his watch, an angel came at the birth of the…
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Cross-references · 2
Cited together in Bede on Luke 2:8–12 (3) (Catena Aurea).
Cited together in Bede on Luke 2:8–12 (Catena Aurea).