THEOSISGregory the Great
They transformed the night into day, as stated in Job 17:12. For it is said that “scattered thoughts turn the night into day,” highlighting that sometimes those who are righteous find greater gratitude in enduring trials than in the benefits that come from earthly successes. They have already learned that both hardship dissipates and the joys of prosperity return, thus it is fitting to say: “And again after darkness I seek the light” (Job 17:12). Light follows darkness, meaning that after the trials of this life, the illumination of eternal life is revealed. Furthermore, adversity and prosperity continually alternate in our existence. Therefore, during the darkness of night, we might envision light, and conversely, in the light, we should anticipate the inevitable return of darkness.
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As it is written, “In the day of prosperity forget not tribulation, and in the day of tribulation forget not prosperity” (Sirach 11:25). It is vital to remember that, having been redeemed by our Creator’s grace, we benefit from sacred consecration. When we depart from our earthly bodies, we are immediately granted heavenly rewards, since our Creator and Redeemer has descended into hell to liberate the souls of the elect, not permitting us to enter where He has already liberated others. Those who lived on earth prior to His Advent, despite the righteousness they achieved, could not enter the heavenly realm immediately upon losing their bodies. Blessed Job recognized that the Redeemer had not yet arrived, who, through His descent, would shatter the gates of hell and lead the righteous to their eternal home. Thus, blessed Job, aware of the challenges of tribulation and knowing that the rewards for the righteous were still forthcoming, rightly acknowledged this truth.