LUKE 02:15-20
THE VISIT OF THE SHEPHERDS
INTRODUCTION
In Luke 2:15-20, we encounter a pivotal moment in the nativity story that underscores themes of humility, faith, and divine revelation. After the angels announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, these humble figures, often marginalized in society, immediately set out for Bethlehem. Their journey, driven by a sense of wonder and urgency, symbolizes the human response to a divine invitation. Upon arriving, they find Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger, as foretold by the angels. This scene captures the raw excitement and profound significance of the shepherds’ discovery, highlighting that the message of Jesus’ birth is meant for all people, including those on the fringes of society.
The narrative of the shepherds’ visit to the newborn Jesus is a profound testament to God’s revelation to the humble and lowly. This passage, following the angelic announcement, emphasizes God’s preferential option for the poor and the meek. The shepherds’ awe and subsequent evangelization, as they share the good news of what they have witnessed, reflect the joy and universality of the Gospel message. Their encounter with Jesus and their immediate praise and glorification of God serve as an example of genuine faith and worship. As they return to their fields, glorifying and praising God, they embody the transformative power of encountering Christ. This passage resonates with themes of inclusivity and divine outreach, reinforcing that the birth of Jesus is indeed good news for everyone, regardless of their social status. It invites believers to recognize and respond to God’s presence in their lives, especially in unexpected and simple circumstances.
Luke 2:15 “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.'”
After the angels announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, these humble men decide to go to Bethlehem to witness the event firsthand. This passage highlights several key aspects of Christian teaching:
1. Divine Revelation and Human Response:
The shepherds receive a revelation from the angels about the birth of the Savior. In Catholic teaching, revelation is God’s self-disclosure to humanity, inviting a response. The shepherds’ reaction exemplifies the ideal response to divine revelation – prompt obedience and eagerness to encounter God.
2. Humility and Accessibility of Christ:
The announcement of Jesus’ birth to shepherds, who were among the lowest social classes in Jewish society, underscores the humility and accessibility of Christ. Jesus came for all people, not just the elite or the religious leaders. This is a recurring theme in the Gospels, emphasizing that God’s salvation is available to everyone, regardless of status or background (Lk 2:10-11).
3. Immediate Response to God’s Call:
The shepherds’ immediate decision to go to Bethlehem reflects the appropriate response to God’s call. They did not hesitate or doubt but acted promptly on the divine message they received. This mirrors the Catholic teaching on obedience and the importance of responding to God’s grace with faith and action (Jm 2:17).
4. Witness and Evangelization:
Upon seeing Jesus, the shepherds shared the news of what had been revealed to them by the angels. This act of spreading the Good News is an early example of evangelization, a core mission of the Catholic Church. The shepherds’ actions remind the faithful of their duty to proclaim the Gospel to others (Mk 16:15).
5. Pilgrimage to Encounter Christ:
The shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem symbolizes a pilgrimage – a central concept in Catholic spirituality. Pilgrimages are physical journeys that reflect the spiritual journey towards deeper communion with God. The shepherds’ desire to see the newborn Jesus mirrors our own spiritual journey to encounter Christ in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
6. Role of the Angels:
Angels, as messengers of God, play a significant role in conveying divine messages. The Catholic Church venerates angels as spiritual beings who serve God and assist humanity (CCC 331-336). The shepherds’ encounter with the angels emphasizes the importance of being open to God’s messengers in our lives.
7. Bethlehem – House of Bread:
Bethlehem, meaning “house of bread,” foreshadows the Eucharist, the “Bread of Life.” The shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem prefigures our journey to the Eucharist, where we encounter Jesus, the living bread come down from heaven (Jn 6:51).
8. Trust in God’s Representatives:
The shepherds made a collective decision to seek Jesus, believing the message of the Angel of the Lord. This teaches us to trust God’s representatives and to participate in communal worship where we encounter Christ, especially in the celebration of the Mass.
Reflection
The shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem is a profound example of faith in action. They received a divine message and responded without delay, seeking the Savior and sharing their experience with others. As Catholics, we are called to emulate this readiness to seek Christ and to bear witness to His presence in our lives.
In our daily lives, we often encounter moments where God calls us to act – whether through prayer, acts of charity, or sharing our faith. The shepherds’ story encourages us to respond promptly and wholeheartedly to these divine invitations. It also reminds us that Jesus is accessible to all, and we are to share this Good News with everyone we meet.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came into the world to bring salvation to all people. Help us to be like the shepherds, who responded with faith and eagerness to Your call. Grant us the courage to seek Jesus in our daily lives and the grace to share His love and message with others. May we always remember that Your love is for everyone, and may our actions reflect this truth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Luke 2:16 “So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.”
This scene is rich with theological significance.
The Shepherds’ Role
The shepherds represent the humble and marginalized, yet they are the first to receive the Good News of Jesus’s birth. Their immediate response to the angel’s message and their haste to see the newborn Savior highlight the importance of faith and readiness to receive God’s word. This aligns with the Catholic understanding that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of social status. The shepherds’ role also prefigures Jesus’s own identification with the poor and outcast, as seen throughout His ministry (Lk 4:18-19).
The shepherds were enthusiastic to worship the newborn Savior. So, they went in haste to seek the Lord. They found God in human flesh as an innocent child lying in a manger. They had no difficulty in believing and welcoming such a humble God.
Mary and Joseph
Mary and Joseph’s presence in this scene underscores their pivotal roles in salvation history. Mary, the Theotokos (Mother of God), and Joseph, her chaste spouse, are models of obedience and faith. The Catholic Church venerates Mary for her fiat (Lk 1:38) and Joseph for his righteous and protective nature (Mt 1:19-24). Their humble circumstances – giving birth in a manger – emphasize the theme of humility and God’s preference for the lowly, a recurring theme in Catholic social teaching.
The Manger
The manger, a feeding trough, symbolizes Jesus as the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35). This imagery is deeply Eucharistic, prefiguring the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist where Catholics believe they receive the Body and Blood of Christ. The setting of the Nativity in a manger also reflects the prophecy of Isaiah 1:3, where the ox and donkey recognize their master, symbolizing the Gentiles and Jews recognizing Jesus as the Messiah.
Reflection
As we reflect on Luke 2:16, we are invited to contemplate the profound humility and simplicity surrounding the birth of our Savior. The shepherds’ prompt response to the angel’s announcement serves as a powerful reminder to us to always be vigilant and ready to embrace God’s call in our lives. We are also reminded of the critical roles played by Mary and Joseph, who exemplify perfect obedience and faith. This passage challenges us to live humbly, trust in God’s plan, and joyfully share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
The scene of the shepherds finding Jesus in the manger invites us to reflect on the humility and simplicity of Christ’s birth. It calls us to approach Jesus with the same eagerness and faith as the shepherds. In our busy lives, we are reminded to make haste to seek Jesus, to find Him in the humble and ordinary moments, and to recognize His presence in the Eucharist and in those around us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, born in humble circumstances to bring salvation to all. Help us to emulate the shepherds’ faith and eagerness to seek Your presence in our lives. May we, like Mary and Joseph, embrace humility and obedience to Your will. As we reflect on the Nativity, fill our hearts with gratitude and wonder at the mystery of the Incarnation. Guide us to recognize Jesus in the Eucharist and in our daily encounters with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Luke 2:17 “When they saw him, they told them what the angel had said about the child.”
In Luke 2:17, the shepherds, having witnessed the angelic announcement and the heavenly host glorifying God, hurried to Bethlehem to see the newborn Jesus. Upon finding Him, they immediately shared the divine message they had received from the angel. This verse highlights the shepherds’ role as the first evangelists of Christ’s birth, emphasizing the accessibility of God’s message to all people, regardless of their social status.
The shepherds became the first evangelists of Jesus. They had an amazing experience that they could not hold within their hearts, so they shared it with whoever they could. Given their inferior status in society, only people close to their status listened to them and believed the message. This narrative underscores the inclusivity of God’s salvation plan, showing that the good news of Jesus is for everyone, not just the elite or learned.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) underscores the importance of evangelization and bearing witness to Christ. Paragraph 425 states, “The transmission of the Christian faith consists primarily in proclaiming Jesus Christ in order to lead others to faith in him.” The shepherds’ actions reflect this mandate, showing that encountering Christ compels believers to share their experience and knowledge with others.
Biblical References:
1. Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
2. Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
3. Psalm 71:17-18: “O God, you have taught me from my youth, and I still declare your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come.”
4. John 4:28-29: “Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, ‘Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?'”
5. Malachi 3:16: “Then those who revered the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name.”
These references align with the shepherds’ actions in Luke 2:17, showing a consistent theme of God’s people sharing His works and messages throughout Scripture.
Reflection
The humble shepherds were the first to hear the angels’ good news of Jesus’ birth, demonstrating that God’s message of salvation is accessible to all, regardless of social status. They were chosen to proclaim the joy of Christ’s arrival, emphasizing the theme that God values humility and commitment over worldly status. As Christians, we are called to share this message of hope and salvation with others, reflecting on how God invites each of us into His plan of grace. The shepherds’ example challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and actively participate in the Church’s mission of evangelization.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, into the world as our Savior. Help us to embrace the humility of the shepherds and to share the good news of His love and mercy with those around us. May we find the courage to witness to our faith and shine your light in darkness. Amen.
Luke 2:18 “And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.”
The verse highlights the amazement and wonder of those who listened to the shepherds’ testimony. This reaction underscores several key themes in Christian theology:
1. Divine Revelation to the Humble: The shepherds, considered lowly and humble in society, were chosen by God to receive and share the news of Jesus’ birth. This reflects the Catholic teaching that God often reveals Himself to the humble and lowly, as echoed in Mary’s Magnificat (Lk 1:52-53).
2. Faith and Wonder: The response of wonder and amazement signifies the appropriate reaction to divine mysteries. According to Catholic tradition, faith involves a sense of awe and reverence towards God’s actions and His plan for salvation.
3. Evangelization: The shepherds’ role in spreading the news of Jesus’ birth highlights the importance of evangelization. Catholics are called to share the Good News with others, just as the shepherds did.
Subject of Amazement
The amazement of those who heard the shepherds can be attributed to several factors:
1. The Messiah in a Helpless Condition: The idea that the long-awaited Messiah would be born in such humble and helpless circumstances, in a manger rather than a palace, was astonishing.
2. Angelic Message to Humble Shepherds: The fact that the angels communicated this momentous news to shepherds, who were lowly and often marginalized, instead of more prominent figures like the High Priest or King Herod, was unexpected.
3. Unusual Channels of Revelation: The deviation from the expected official channels for such a divine message, bypassing religious and political authorities, underscored God’s preference for humility and simplicity.
Many who heard the shepherds’ testimony likely visited the infant Jesus. However, it was the humble and receptive hearts that could truly see the “Son of God” in the newborn.
Reflection
The shepherds’ story reminds us that God often chooses the most unexpected people to reveal His glory. Despite their lowly status, the shepherds were the first to hear the angelic proclamation and see the newborn Savior. Their immediate response was to share this miraculous event with others, causing amazement and wonder among all who heard.
As Christians, we are called to be like the shepherds—humble, receptive to God’s messages, and eager to share the Good News. The wonder and amazement of those who heard the shepherds’ account should inspire us to approach our faith with a sense of awe and reverence. It also challenges us to be active evangelizers, spreading the message of Christ’s love and salvation to everyone we encounter.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the humble shepherds who first heard the Good News of His birth. Fill our hearts with the same wonder and amazement that those early witnesses experienced. Help us to be humble and receptive to Your divine revelations in our lives. Grant us the courage and zeal to share the message of Your love and salvation with others. May we always approach our faith with a sense of awe and reverence, recognizing Your presence in the ordinary moments of our lives. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Luke 2:19 “But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
In Luke 2:19, we see Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a model of contemplation and faith. The verse highlights two key actions of Mary: “kept” and “pondered.” These actions reflect her deep engagement with the divine mysteries unfolding in her life.
“Kept all these things”
The phrase “kept” indicates that Mary treasured the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. This act of keeping is more than just remembering; it involves a deep cherishing of God’s work and revelations in her life. According to Catholic tradition, this keeping signifies her role as the first disciple, who not only witnesses the events of salvation history but also holds them dear in her heart, preserving them for future reflection and understanding.
“Pondering them in her heart”
To “ponder” means to reflect deeply. Mary’s pondering is a form of meditation on the mysteries of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 971) notes Mary’s unique role in the Church’s prayer life, highlighting her contemplative nature. By pondering, Mary seeks to understand the profound meaning of God’s actions and His plan for humanity. This reflective disposition is essential for all believers, inviting them to a deeper relationship with God through meditation on His Word.
Biblical Context:
Mary’s contemplative nature is further illustrated in other passages:
– Luke 1:38: Mary’s fiat, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,” shows her openness to God’s will.
– John 2:5: At the Wedding at Cana, Mary’s instruction to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you,” reflects her trust and faith in Jesus, born out of her contemplative heart.
The Evangelist Luke, who interviewed Mary to write his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, realized how all the visions, experiences, and witnesses associated with the birth of Jesus and thereafter were clear in her mind. Luke provides more details about the infancy narrative of Jesus than the other evangelists, indicating that Mary was a primary source of this information. Her excellent knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, acquired from her training in the Temple of Jerusalem, enabled her to recognize that all the prophecies about the Messiah were being fulfilled before her eyes. Thus, she continually reflected on these events.
Insights from the Catholic Tradition:
This verse offers profound insights into Mary’s contemplative nature and her role as the Mother of God. In the Catholic tradition, this passage highlights several important aspects:
1. Mary’s Contemplative Spirit: The Blessed Virgin Mary demonstrates a deep, reflective approach to the miraculous events surrounding Jesus’ birth. She “kept all these things” – the angelic visitations, the shepherds’ testimony, and the circumstances of Christ’s nativity – carefully preserving these memories.
2. Pondering in Her Heart: The Greek word used for “pondering” (symballousa) implies a process of bringing things together in one’s mind, reflecting deeply, and seeking understanding. This shows Mary’s active engagement with God’s plan, not merely passive acceptance.
3. Mary as the First Disciple: By treasuring and pondering these events, Mary exemplifies the ideal disciple who listens attentively to God’s word and meditates upon it. This aligns with Jesus’ later teaching: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Lk 11:28).
4. Prefiguration of the Church: Mary’s contemplative response prefigures the Church’s role in preserving and reflecting on the mysteries of Christ. As the Catechism states, “The Church… carries in her memory… what she herself has experienced” (CCC 113).
5. Model of Faith: Mary’s example encourages all believers to reflect deeply on God’s actions in their lives, fostering a mature and growing faith.
Reflection:
As Christians, we are called to emulate Mary’s contemplative spirit. In our fast-paced world, we must make time to ponder God’s word and His actions in our lives. Like Mary, we should treasure the moments of divine encounter, allowing them to shape our understanding and deepen our faith.
Prayer:
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, teach us to ponder the mysteries of faith as you did. Help us to treasure God’s word in our hearts, that we may grow in wisdom and understanding. Guide us to reflect on God’s presence in our daily lives, so that like you, we may become true disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Luke 2:20 “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
Luke 2:20 concludes the account of the shepherds’ encounter with the newborn Jesus and the angels who announced His birth. The shepherds had witnessed what the Angel of the Lord had told them. They became the first believers in the Messiah. When they came to know Jesus, their reaction was to glorify and praise God just as Zechariah glorified and praised God when God opened his mouth after naming his son John.
Biblical References and Teachings:
1. Divine Revelation and Response:
The shepherds’ response to the angelic revelation (Lk 2:8-14) and their subsequent visit to the manger (Lk 2:16) demonstrate the appropriate human reaction to divine intervention. Their glorifying and praising God echoes Mary’s own Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55) and Zechariah’s Benedictus (Lk 1:68-79), highlighting a consistent theme in Luke’s Gospel where God’s acts of salvation evoke worship and thanksgiving.
2. Humility and Faith:
The shepherds, who were among the humble and marginalized in Jewish society, were chosen to receive the first announcement of Christ’s birth. This aligns with Catholic teaching on the preferential option for the poor (CCC 2444-2448) and the call for the faithful to embody humility and trust in God’s plan, much like the shepherds did.
3. Witness to Christ:
By sharing their experience, the shepherds become the first evangelists, spreading the good news of Jesus’ birth. This prefigures the Great Commission (Mt 28:19-20) and aligns with the Church’s mission to evangelize and bear witness to Christ (Ad Gentes, 2-5).
4. Joy in God’s Promises:
The joy of the shepherds reflects the deep joy that comes from experiencing God’s promises fulfilled. This is a recurring theme in the Psalms (e.g., Ps 126:3) and is a central aspect of Christian spirituality, emphasizing the joy that comes from living in communion with God (Phil 4:4).
Further Interpretation:
The shepherds’ response of “glorifying and praising God” echoes the angels’ proclamation of “Glory to God in the highest” (Lk 2:14). Their praise indicates that they recognized the profound significance of what they had seen – the long-awaited Messiah had arrived. The shepherds’ joyful reaction fulfills Mary’s prophetic words in the Magnificat: “all generations will call me blessed” (Lk 1:48).
The phrase “as it had been told them” emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promises. What the angel proclaimed to them came to pass exactly as foretold, confirming the truth and reliability of God’s word. This mirrors other instances in Luke’s Gospel where divine messages are fulfilled, such as the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (Lk 1:20, 1:45).
The shepherds’ return to their daily work, while continuing to praise God, demonstrates how an encounter with Christ should transform our entire lives. As Pope Francis notes, “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” Like the shepherds, we are called to integrate our faith with our everyday existence.
Reflection:
The shepherds’ joy and glorification of God are powerful reminders for us as Christians to recognize and celebrate the presence of God in our lives. Their humble acceptance and enthusiastic sharing of the Good News challenge us to reflect on how we respond to God’s work in our lives. Do we take time to glorify and praise God for His blessings? Are we willing to share our experiences of God’s love with others?
In a world often overshadowed by darkness and despair, the shepherds’ story encourages us to be beacons of hope and joy, testifying to the transformative power of encountering Christ. Their journey from the fields to the manger and back to their daily lives, now forever changed, mirrors our own journeys of faith and conversion.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the shepherds, whose simple faith and joyous praise inspire us to recognize and celebrate Your presence in our lives. Help us to be like them, humble and open to Your revelations, eager to share the Good News of Your love and salvation. Fill our hearts with the same joy and awe that they experienced, so that we too may glorify and praise You in all that we do. May our lives be a testament to Your grace and a reflection of Your light in the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
The narrative of the shepherds visiting the newborn Jesus, as recorded in Luke 2:15-20, is a powerful testament to God’s revelation to the humble and lowly. The shepherds’ immediate response to the angelic message and their journey to witness the Savior exemplify the ideal human reaction to divine revelation – prompt obedience and eagerness to encounter God. This scene encapsulates the joy and universality of the Gospel message, demonstrating that the good news of Jesus’ birth is for all people, especially those on the fringes of society. The shepherds’ return to their fields, glorifying and praising God, underscores the transformative power of encountering Christ and reflects the call to evangelize and share the joy of salvation with others.
This passage also highlights the themes of humility, faith, and inclusivity. The shepherds, who were among the lowest social classes, were chosen to receive the first announcement of the Messiah’s birth, emphasizing that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of status or background. Their story invites believers to recognize and respond to God’s presence in their lives, especially in unexpected and simple circumstances. The narrative encourages us to emulate the shepherds’ faith and readiness to seek Christ, reminding us that true worship and praise flow from a genuine encounter with Jesus.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came into the world to bring salvation to all people. Help us to be like the shepherds, who responded with faith and eagerness to Your call. Grant us the courage to seek Jesus in our daily lives and the grace to share His love and message with others. May we always remember that Your love is for everyone, and may our actions reflect this truth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.