Job 29:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

She might express it thus: "They listened to me, awaited my words, and were silent, taking heed of my counsel.” It is as if she were saying plainly, “Unlike the disciples of today who follow but refuse to acknowledge the truth, attempting to alter the meaning of my preaching,” for presently, the disciples “remain silent and heed her guidance,” recognizing that her words deserve faith and cannot be disputed. To genuinely benefit from her teachings, they listen with the intent to follow rather than to judge.

He rightly added: “They dared not add anything to my words,” highlighting that heretics, in their arrogance, attempt to alter her truths, while serious listeners respect the integrity of her message. The phrase “my speech dripped upon them” refers to the essence of holy preaching. It implies that preaching must be attuned to the listeners' capacities so that each individual receives encouragement suited to their understanding. The expression “They dared not add anything to my words” addresses the respectful disposition of the hearers. The subsequent addition, “my speech dripped upon them,” pertains to the method of dissemination. Those who teach must be careful not to exceed the comprehension of their audience. It is crucial for the preacher to adjust to the weaknesses of the listeners; if high concepts are presented to those unprepared to grasp them, the preacher may demonstrate his own eloquence rather than genuinely assist those being taught. Among those called by the Lord, there are vessels of various forms, as indicated in Exodus 25:29 and 37:16. A “dish” symbolizes a sermon, while the “bowls” suggest the simplest teachings given to the least among God's people. Therefore, both pitchers and bowls adorn the Lord’s table because the teachings of Holy Revelation convey both profound truths that astound and simple lessons that nourish the soul as one tastes wine. As the Holy Church endures suffering in these final days, she should remember this important approach and declare, “And my speech dripped upon them.”

Furthermore, it is rightly added: “And they waited for me as for rain, and opened wide their mouths as for late rain.” Through the words of holy preaching, we are refreshed like the rain when, through genuine humility, we recognize our spiritual dryness, longing to be renewed by sacred instruction. Thus, the Psalmist aptly expressed to God, “My soul is to thee as the earth without water” (Psalms 142:6). The prophet urges us to immerse ourselves in these life-giving waters, saying, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come unto the waters” (Isaiah 55:1). As we receive the holy sermon, we metaphorically open our hearts wide to receive the late rain. Had there been no “mouth of the heart,” the Psalmist would not have referred to the wickedness of hearts that speak evil (Psalms 11:3). The heart receives the sermon, thereby allowing us to open to its flowing streams. This sermon reached us through His sacrifice, as the Psalmist noted, “And lifted up my hands as in the evening sacrifice” (Psalms 140:2). Our Redeemer, at the world’s end, endured the sufferings inflicted by those who persecuted Him, and He Himself provided the evening sacrifice for our sake. Concerning this "late rain," it is also said that “I will give you the early rain and the late rain” (Jeremiah 5:24). The early rain was given as He imparted the knowledge of the law to His chosen ones (Deuteronomy 11:14), and the “late rain” was destined to reveal the mystery of His Incarnation during the latter days. The Holy Church continuously proclaims this mystery daily, thus nourishing the hearts of her listeners with the late rain.