THEOSISGregory the Great
Who alters the hearts of the leaders among the people, allowing them to wander aimlessly in a desolate place, devoid of direction, as they stumble in darkness without illumination, resembling those inebriated. For the hearts of the rulers of the earth were transformed when the chief priests and elders in Judah opposed Him according to their strategies, despite having previously proclaimed His coming. In their attempt to erase His Name through persecution, blinded by their own wickedness, they aimed for an impossible pursuit, wandering in a place without a path, for it was inconceivable that 'the way' should be accessible to the cruelty aimed at the Creator.
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They had witnessed miraculous deeds, feared His might, yet chose to disbelieve while continually demanding signs, asking, 'By what sign dost Thou show that we should see and believe Thee?' Therefore, it is rightly stated that they are stumbling in the darkness, devoid of light. The one who doubts amidst such evident miracles is indeed 'groping in the darkness,' unable to discern what he touches. Yet every person who fumbles around seems to be led hither and thither, for they oscillated between faith and skepticism, affirming, 'If He were not of God, He could do nothing,' and later questioning His divine origin, saying, 'Is not this the son of the carpenter? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all His sisters with us?' It is rightly added that they stagger like those who are drunk. They beheld Him resurrecting the dead yet regarded Him as a mere man. Who would not believe Him to be God when witnessing the resurrection of the dead? However, when confronted with His humanity, they scorned the notion of Him being an immortal God. Likewise, Almighty God revealed Himself before them, capable of divine wonders yet experiencing human suffering, causing them to reel as if intoxicated, for their pride preferred to reject the mystery of the Incarnation rather than embrace it. They rose up against His human nature while simultaneously marveling at the divine power emanating from within Him. And since they were all present before the eyes of the blessed Job in prophetic vision, this truth is fittingly emphasized.