THEOSISGregory the Great
These words reflect a period in the holy Church when it faces open ridicule from the wicked; when immorality proliferates, faith is despised, and truth is seen as a burden. The more a person is scorned, the more just he becomes; the more loathsome, the more deserving of honor. In times of trouble, the holy Church of the elect becomes the subject of the wicked's conversations. They revile me, they distance themselves from me, and do not hesitate to spit in my presence. All ungodly individuals are cast away from the holy Church; this distancing is not due to their physical movements but rather to the nature of their character; they are separated not by location but by their deeds—an increasing pride that openly mocks the Church.
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To spit in Her presence symbolizes not just the disdain for the righteous in their absence but an aggression toward them in their company. Upon the righteous, the wicked unleash their scorn like a torrential downpour. He opened his quiver and struck me. What represents God's quiver but His hidden wisdom? Look, from the quiver, the Lord draws an arrow when He enacts public judgment from His confidential counsel; for while we all can suffer, we do not understand the reasons for His allowance of such suffering. Yet, when this suffering leads to a transformation in one’s life, the strength of that counsel becomes clear. Thus, a closed quiver symbolizes secret wisdom. However, we are purified by the open quiver when after enduring trials we comprehend through what counsel we are being disciplined. He hath put a bridle upon my mouth. Let the Holy Church, who eternally speaks with love, proclaim this: He hath put a bridle upon my mouth. It's as though it is openly declared, 'Since I find no growth in faith through preaching, I will endure their attacks, so that they may learn from my life, as they were unwilling to heed my words through preaching.' Yet what pains us even more during persecution is that it is often inflicted by those we love and in whom we have placed our trust.