Job 11:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Concerning that which is unseen, our only recourse is to pursue the trail of His love, allowing our minds to approach Him, whose likeness inspires our contemplation, and whom we seek through our holy longings. The Psalmist captured this pursuit when he expressed, My soul is in Thee. Psalms 62:9. His yearning persisted even after glimpsing His glory, as he declared, My soul thirsts for God, the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 41:3. At that moment, the Almighty's presence is manifest, once our mortal corruption is trampled down, and we behold Him who ascends to heaven in the radiance of His Divine Nature. However, in our current state, the grace of the Spirit, which descends into our hearts, elevates the soul beyond earthly ambitions, lifting it above temporary allurements, while the mind, still drawn to former desires, yearns for heavenly treasures. Through contemplation, our focus elevates away from the flesh, yet we remain tethered by the weight of our mortal frailties. The soul diligently strives to attain the radiance of the ineffable Light it has encountered, feeling powerless; for even as the soul, burdened by trials, seeks liberation, it still finds delight when the flesh permits release. Our Creator has imparted a portion of Himself to ignite our love, yet His full vision remains concealed from those who love Him. Thus, we all tread along, perceiving only His footsteps, reliant on His gifts to guide us toward the unseen. These “steps” remain beyond comprehension, for the nature of His Spirit's gifts is mysterious, as Truth conveys: The wind blows where it wills, and you cannot predict whence it comes or where it goes. John 3:8. The contemplation of the Almighty may indeed be bestowed upon us at present, yet perfect comprehension eludes us. Though we may eventually behold Him in glory, we are incapable of fully grasping His Essence. Both angels and humans, as they gaze towards the unfathomable Light, instinctively shrink back to their finite nature, realizing their creaturely limitations. While striving to extend beyond our understanding, we cannot fully apprehend the brilliance of the One who is both exalted and encompassing, sustaining and filling all that exists. Hence it is further articulated: