THEOSISGregory the Great
These expressions depict the era of the holy Church when it faces open ridicule from the wicked; a time when evil flourishes, faith is derided, and truth becomes a cause for offense. As a person becomes more degraded, their righteousness shines brighter; their loathsomeness only serves to highlight their commendable qualities. Consequently, during times of hardship, the sacred Church of the elect becomes the subject of derision among the ungodly. They despise me, turn away from me, and are unashamed to spit in my presence. All those who are ungodly are separated from the holy Church; this separation occurs not due to distance of location but due to the nature of their behavior; their growing arrogance openly scorns the Church.
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To spit in its presence is not merely to insult the faithful in their absence, but also to attack the righteous while they are there. The wicked mockingly shower insults like a relentless flood upon them. He opened his quiver and smote me. What does God's quiver represent if not His secret will? Observe how the Lord draws an arrow from His quiver, dispatching a public judgment from His hidden plan: we understand that anyone can face suffering, yet the reasons behind God allowing it remain a mystery. When suffering leads to a transformation in life, the strength of His counsel becomes evident. Therefore, a closed quiver symbolizes a concealed strategy. However, we are made pure through the open quiver when, following our trials, we discern the counsel behind our chastisement. He hath put a bridle upon my mouth. Let the Holy Church, which consistently carries her teachings with love, proclaim, He hath put a bridle upon my mouth. It conveys the sentiment that, ‘Since I see no progress in faith through preaching, I will endure their onslaught, hoping that they may learn from my example in life, as they have failed to heed my words when preached.’ Yet what pains us even more during persecution is that we endure these trials primarily from those dear to us, individuals in whom we have placed our trust and love.