THEOSISGregory the Great
These words convey the period of the holy Church when it suffers open mockery from the wicked; as iniquity flourishes, faith becomes a source of shame, and truth is seen as a fault. The more a person is scorned, the more virtuous they become; the more loathsome a person appears, the more they deserve admiration. In times of tribulation, the holy Church of believers becomes the topic of discussion among the ungodly. They reject me, distance themselves, and show no restraint in their contempt. All unrighteous individuals are separated from the holy Church; this separation is not due to their physical departure but stems from their conduct; they become estranged not by their whereabouts but by their moral failings—their intensifying arrogance challenges the Church with blatant scorn.
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To spit in her presence signifies not just disdain for the good when they are absent but also an assault on the righteous when they are present. The wicked mock openly, casting gales of humiliation like rushing waters. He opened his quiver and struck me. What does God’s quiver represent but His hidden wisdom? Observe, from that quiver, the Lord draws forth an arrow when He enacts an open decree from His secret counsel; for we understand that everyone can face suffering, yet we do not always grasp why He allows us to endure it. When suffering leads to the correction of life, it reveals the strength of that counsel. Thus, a closed quiver symbolizes a hidden counsel. Yet, through an open quiver, we find purification when, after enduring pain, we discern the counsel behind our chastisement. He hath put a bridle upon my mouth. Let the Holy Church, always sharing her message with love, acknowledge this: He hath put a bridle upon my mouth. It is as if it has been declared, 'Since I see no growth in faith from my preaching, I will endure their assaults, so they may, through my life, learn at least some lessons in patience, as they have not chosen to heed my words through proclamation.' What weighs heavier upon us during persecution is that we suffer these trials from those whom we cherished and believed in, those whom we loved.