THEOSISGregory the Great
When I reached the city gate, did they prepare a place for me in the streets? The young men hid themselves upon seeing me, while the elders rose and stood in respect. The noblemen ceased their conversation, placing their fingers upon their lips, and the leaders fell silent, their tongues cleaving to their throats (Job 29:7-10). It was customary for the elders of old to gather at the gate, assessing those who entered the city to ensure peace within its walls, since those unworthy of their judgment were denied entry. We, respecting sacred tradition, firmly believe this was indeed the reality for the esteemed Job and delve into the secrets of allegory. What is meant by ‘the gates of the city’ if not every righteous deed through which the soul enters the heavenly realm?
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Hence, the prophet declares, “Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death, that I may perhaps declare all Thy praises in the gates of the daughter of Zion” (Psalms 9:14-15). The ‘gates of death’ symbolize sinful actions that lead to destruction, while ‘Zion,’ meaning ‘to see,’ indicates the gates of Zion as virtuous acts through which we enter the heavenly land to witness the glory of our Sovereign. What does the exalted seat represent if not the ultimate authority? In Greek, 'street' translates to 'latitude.' The Holy Church advances toward the city gates, aiming to enter the celestial domain, engaging in sacred actions. For whom is ‘a seat prepared in the street,’ but for her who embodies the fullness of her authority? She who publicly declares the truths she has embraced takes a prominent place, unashamed and unwilling to retreat into silence. Is it not she who is appointed to teach openly, endowed with both the wisdom of understanding and the power to instruct? After he ‘went out to the gate and sat in the street,’ he separately addresses the actions of the frivolous and the solemn, saying: