THEOSISGregory the Great
These phrases depict a period in the holy Church's existence when it faces disdain from the wicked; a time when as sin abounds faith is scorned and truth becomes a stumbling block. The more a person is despised, the more virtuous they are considered; the more loathsome they appear, the more commendable they become. In such times of trial, the Church of the elect often becomes a topic of derision among the ungodly. They revile me, they distance themselves from me, and they are unabashed in their contempt. Those without godliness are estranged from the holy Church; this separation is not a matter of physical distance but rather a result of their character; they become remote not by place but by their actions—their swelling pride openly disparages the Church.
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Spitting in Her presence signifies not just a disdain for the righteous in absentia but also an attack against them in their presence. The wicked mockingly hurl words of derision upon them like a torrent. He opened his quiver and struck me. What does God's quiver signify but His hidden counsel? Look, from the quiver the Lord draws forth an arrow, indicating that from His secretive counsel He issues forth a public judgment: We understand that everyone faces suffering, yet we may not grasp the reasons He allows it. When suffering leads to a correction of one's life, the power of His counsel becomes apparent. A closed quiver symbolizes hidden counsel. However, the open quiver reveals to us through our trials the means by which we are purified. He has placed a bridle upon my mouth. Let the Holy Church, which consistently speaks in love, declare, He has placed a bridle upon my mouth. It is as if it were stated plainly, ‘Since I see no progress in faith through preaching, I will endure their attacks, so that at least through my example they may learn, since they were unwilling to listen to my words from the pulpit.’ Yet what weighs even heavier upon us in times of persecution is that we bear it all from those we cherish, in whom we have placed our trust and love.