THEOSISGregory the Great
I understand that You will lead me to death and the gathering place of all the living. Prior to the grace of our Savior, even the just were confined by the barriers of the grave. The entrance to this realm is referred to as the gathering of all the living, for no one could access it without succumbing to their own sinful nature prior to the arrival of the Advocate. Those who entered did so by experiencing the death of the flesh through their own moral failings.
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This evaluation of the righteous, viewed as a metaphor, also pertains to the holy Church, which contains individuals who, despite professing their faith, indulge their own desires contrary to its teachings. Thus, she declares, “I know that You will bring me to death and to the assembly of all the living.” For when she observes the throngs who have surrendered to their pleasures, she understands their fate and realizes that they are truly serving their own cravings in this life. All who live according to the flesh will eventually arrive at the grave. Some may plunge into the depths of indulgence but are quickly drawn back from the brink by tears of repentance; the trials they face serve more for their guidance than for their ruin. Surely, You will not extend Your hand toward their destruction; if they stumble, You will rescue them.
In these statements, it is crucial to recognize that when the blessed Job speaks of his own plight, he symbolizes humanity as a whole. Therefore, the Lord refrains from reaching out to annihilate sinners; rather, through correction, He directs them away from sin. He redeems those who falter, especially if they find healing through their suffering. Though they may be brought low externally, they are uplifted internally; while their outward appearance may be diminished, they are renewed within, whereas those who stand firmly in spirit may find themselves faltering.