THEOSISGregory the Great
The deep waters He scrutinized, the concealed truths He unveiled—Job 28:11. For what are referred to as ‘waters’ here, if not the teachings of the ancient patriarchs? Who can measure the violent torrent that surged forth from the very heart of Moses, the founder of the Law? What formidable flow erupted from the spirit of David? What powerful currents emerged from the words of King Solomon and the prophets? Yet, these ‘waters’ were not evident in Judea; when they adhered solely to the superficial meanings of the text, they remained unaware of its profound significance.
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In contrast, we, through Christ, endeavor to seek the inner spiritual realities in Him, demonstrating a pursuit of their ‘depths.’ This pursuit is precisely what the Lord encouraged us to undertake, and only with His guidance can we achieve it. Thus, we do not adhere to the letter, which brings death, but embrace the Spirit that gives life to ‘the depths of the waters He has scrutinized, the concealed truths He has unveiled.’ The statements of the Law, obscured by the layers of history, are illuminated by spiritual interpretation. Therefore, when the Truth spoke in parables in the Gospel, He instructed the disciples, saying, “What I tell you in darkness, speak in light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the rooftops.” Matthew 10:27 The insights shared in His parables clarified the judgments of the ancient fathers. Consequently, the Prophet Isaiah, when he discerned the truths concerning the Holy Church—truths that cannot remain hidden in the shadows of allegory—proclaimed, “A place of rivers, wide and open streams.” Is. 33:21 The utterances of the Old Testament appeared as narrow and constricted streams, shrouding the understanding of their meaning in darkness. In contrast, the doctrines of the Holy Church flow broadly and openly, as their judgments are accessible to many who discover them and transparent to those who earnestly seek. Thus, he states: “The depths of the waters He has scrutinized, the hidden truths He has unveiled.” For when He filled His interpreters with the spirit of wisdom, He disclosed the obscurities of those ancient prophecies through them. The Holy Church, therefore, now perceives and comprehends through the Spirit, unlike the Synagogue, which has historically grasped only the surface of the text. Why did Moses cover his face when addressing the people? Surely to signify that it was the citizens of Judah who were acquainted with the words of the law yet failed to perceive its true essence. Therefore, Paul rightly notes: “But even to this day, when they read Moses, a veil lies over their hearts.” 2 Cor. 3:15 Since God's words alone do not penetrate without His wisdom—only those who have received His Spirit truly understand the depth of His word—the holy man speaks further about seeking God’s Wisdom, stating: