THEOSISGregory the Great
They have spoken against me and reproached me, as noted in Job 16:10. Those who are lost often voice their contempt, showing no hesitation in denouncing the truth and mocking the doctrines of genuine faith. It is important to understand that these individuals primarily target those who provide immense benefit to the Holy Church, who confront worldly living with corrective words and spiritually transform others within the body of the Church. For this reason, the text continues: They have struck me on the cheek; they have taken the fullness of my chastisements, as seen in Job 16:10. The ‘cheek’ of the Church represents the holy preachers, of whom Jeremiah spoke in the context of Judah, saying, She weeps bitterly by night, and tears are on her cheeks (Lamentations 1:2).
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In times of trial for the Church, it is those who often suppress the allure of worldly preaching who weep the most. Through their efforts, the holy Church eradicates the sinful behaviors of the wicked and assimilates them into her fold. This brings to light the command given to the first preacher, who is also a ‘cheek’ of the Church: 'stab and eat' (Acts 10:13). This parallels the account of Samson, who seized the jawbone of a donkey and struck down his adversaries (Judges 15:16). Similarly, our Redeemer, through His mighty hand, seized the humility and simplicity that resides in preachers and vanquished the carnal nature of their sinful habits. The jawbone was then cast aside, after which water was poured out, as the lives of these preachers, surrendered to death, displayed extraordinary wonders to all nations. Hence, the wicked ‘strike the cheek’ of the Holy Church when they persecute virtuous preachers, believing they have achieved a significant victory by silencing these voices; thus, it is rightly said, they have taken the fullness of my chastisements, which brings them an overflow of self-satisfaction. It follows: