The Savior of all, if we may so speak, sends forth
the disciples against the hosts of unbelievers, saying, "Go; behold, I
send you as sheep among wolves."
What sayest Thou O Lord? How can sheep converse
with wolves? When was a wild beast ever at peace with the sheep? Scarcely can
the shepherds protect their flocks by gathering them into folds, and shutting
them up in enclosures, and frightening the beasts of prey by the barking of
dogs, yea, and even themselves fighting in their defence, and running risks to
protect the more weakly members of their flock. How then does He command the
holy Apostles, who are guileless men, and if we may so speak, sheep, to seek
the company of wolves, and go to them of their own accord? Is not the danger
manifest? Are they not set as a ready prey for their attacks? How can a sheep
prevail over a wolf? How can one so peaceful vanquish 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 taught. I will be with you and aid you, and
deliver you from all evil. I will tame the savage beasts; I will change wolves
into sheep; I will make the persecutors become the helpers of the persecuted:
and those who wrong My ministers I will make to be sharers in their pious
designs. For I make and unmake all things, and there is nothing that can resist
My will.
And that this was the actual result, we may see in
instances which really occurred. For the divine Paul was a blasphemer, and
persecutor, more injurious and cruel than any wolf against those who believed
in Christ. Did he then persist in this conduct? Did he continue to be a wolf
even unto the end? Far from it: for he was called by Christ, and experienced an
unlooked for change. He who in old time was a wolf became more gentle than a
lamb; and preached the faith which once he persecuted. And a change so unexpected
in its manner was the wonder of all men, and Christ was glorified, Who had
changed him from a beast of prey into a lamb. And this the | divine Jacob had
in his blessings before announced concerning him: "Benjamin is a ravening
wolf: in the morning he shall eat flesh: and in the evening divide
victual." For the wise Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin, and, at first,
he resisted those who believed in Christ like a ravening wolf; but when a short
time had elapsed, a space, so to speak, as from morning to evening, he divided
victual. For he taught and preached Jesus: and to those that as yet were babes
in intellect he offered milk; but set before the full grown strong meat. In the
morning therefore he eats flesh, and in the evening divides victual.
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