THEOSISGregory the Great
These words illustrate a period in the holy Church when it faces open derision from the wicked; a time when immorality flourishes, faith becomes a source of scorn, and truth is deemed an offense. As the disdain against a person increases, so too does their righteousness; the more loathsome they appear, the more commendable they become. In such moments of tribulation, the holy Church of the chosen often becomes the topic of derision among the ungodly. They hold me in contempt, distance themselves from me, and are unashamed to express their disdain openly.
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Those who act unjustly are kept away from the holy Church not through their actions but due to the nature of their character; they are distanced not by geographical boundaries but by their own shortcomings—their growing pride stands opposed to the Church with overt derision. To spit in her presence signifies not only disdain for the virtuous in their absence but also an assault on the righteous in their sight. The wicked, with laughter, hurl humiliating insults like torrents of water. He opened his quiver and struck me. What does God's quiver represent but His hidden counsel? Look, when the Lord draws an arrow from His quiver, He issues forth a public judgment from His concealed wisdom: for we understand that suffering can affect anyone, yet we often do not grasp the reasons behind God allowing such trials. When suffering leads to a transformation of life, the purpose of that counsel becomes evident. Thus, a closed quiver symbolizes secret counsel. However, we are enlightened by the opened quiver, as through our trials, we discern the nature of our correction. He hath put a bridle upon my mouth. Let the Holy Church, which bears her message with love, express, He hath put a bridle upon my mouth. It implies, ‘Since I see no progress in faith from my preaching, I shall endure their attacks, so that they may at least learn from my life while enduring, as they were unwilling to receive my teachings through my words.’ Yet what weighs heavier on our hearts in times of persecution is that we bear it all from those we have loved and placed our trust in, with genuine affection.