Meditation On The Nativity Of Our Savior Christ: Of The Going Of The Shepherds To Bethlehem: And What There Happened Unto Them, And All The Rest Unto The Circumcision. POINT II

ALTOBELLO, Francesco Antonio 
Adoration of the Shepherds

THE XIX. MEDITATION.

Of the going of the Shepherds to Bethlehem: and what there happened unto them, and all the rest unto the Circumcision.

THE II. POINT.

1. Here is to be considered what these devote Shepherd did, when they found what they sought. The first is, to believe that in entering into the Stable, there did shine from the face of the most blessed Babe such a light, and splendor, as penetrated their understandings, and discovered unto them by a lively faith, how he that was there was God & man, the Savior of the world, and the Messias promised in the law: and with this light inflamed in his love, with great reverence prostrating themselves on the ground, they adored him, were thankful for his coming into the world, beseeching him to go forward with this work, & to be compassionate to his people of Israel: and likewise they offered themselves to serve him with words very full of devotion.

2. It is likewise credible that they offered him somewhat of what they had according to their poverty: for our Lord reduced to their memory that of Deuteronomy which saith: Thou shalt not appear before our Lord empty handed. O with what affection might they offer, and with what love might the child accept, returning unto them such abundant gifts of his grace, that they should not depart empty from his presence.

3. It is also credible, that the blessed Virgin was thankful with humility, and that they spake unto her with great respect, admiring at her resplendent sanctity, and recounting unto her all that had passed with the Angels: whereat she received exceeding great joy for the glory of her Son.

Colloquy

O sweet JESUS, I adore thee with these holy Shepherds, and I desire to adore thee with that devotion that they adored thee: and, not to appear empty in thy presence, I offer thee my heart, and liberty, and all that i have. And I beseech thee (o my God) suffer me not to depart empty from thy presence, but fill me with thy grace, that O may therewith serve thee, and obtain life everlasting, Amen

 ~ Luis de la Puente 

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