vEU. 1— 7. ST. LUKE. 525 henotleave6fC. GKEG. One sheep then perishedwhen man bysinningleftthe pasturesof life. But in the wilderness theninetyand nine remained,because the number of the rationalcreatures,that isto say of Angels and men who were formedto see God, was lessenedwhen man perished; and henceitfollows,Does he not leavetheninetyand nine in the wilderness,because in truth he leftthe companies of the Angelsin heaven. But man then forsookheaven when he sinned.And thatthe whole body of the sheep might be per fectlymade up again in heaven,the lostman was sought for on earth; as itfollows,And go afterthat fyc. CYRIL. But was He then angry with the rest,and moved by kindness onlytoone ? By no means. For they are in safety,the right hand of the Most Mighty being theirdefence. It behoved Him ratherto pitythe perishing,thatthe remaining number mightnot seem imperfect. For the one being brought back, thehundred regainsitsown properform. AUG. Or He spoke Aug.de ofthoseninetyand nine whom He leftin the wilderness,sig-Ev-\^ 2 nifyingthe proud,who bearsolitudeas itwere in theirmind, I0-32- inthatthey wish to appear themselvesalone,to whom unity iswanting for perfection. For when a man is torn from unity,itis by pride; sincedesiringto be hisown master,he followsnot thatOne which isGod, but to thatone God or dainsallwho are reconciledby repentance,which isobtained byhumility.GREG. NYSS. But when the shepherd had found Greg. thesheep,he did not punish it,he did not get itto the flockjiuT bydrivingit,but by placingitupon hisshoulder,and carrying itgently,he uniteditto hisflock.Hence itfollows,And when he hathfound it,he layethit upon his shouldersrejoicing. GREG. He placed the sheep upon his shoulders,for taking Greg.in man'snatureupon Him He boreour sins. But having found j1^' ^4 thesheep,he returnshome ; forour Shepherd havingrestored24. man,returnsto His heavenlykingdom. And hence itfollows, And cominghe collectstogetherhisfriendsand neighbours,say ingtothem,Rejoicewith me,for I havefound my sheepwhich waslost.By His friendsand neighboursHe means the com paniesofAngels,who areHis friendsbecausethey arekeeping Hiswillin theirown stedfastness; they are alsoHis neigh- hours,becauseby theirown constantwaitingupon Him they enjoythebrightnessof His sight. TIIEOPHYL. The heavenly