THEOSISGregory the Great
Verse 28. "Which flow out of the clouds" (Job 36:28). These rains indeed descend from the clouds; for without the enlightening power of comprehension beginning with the holy Apostles, the teachings will not be expressed fully by the mouths of the ministers. In Scripture, ‘clouds’ sometimes represent unstable individuals, sometimes prophets, and at other times Apostles. The term ‘clouds’ reflects the changeability of human thought, as illustrated by Solomon's words: "He that observes the wind shall not sow; and he that looks at the clouds shall not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Here, the ‘wind’ symbolizes the unclean spirit, while the individuals swayed by it are the ‘clouds,’ moved back and forth by temptations that arise in their hearts.
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Thus, one who surveys the wind does not sow, for the individual fearing the onset of temptations does not commit their heart to righteous deeds. Similarly, one observing the clouds does not reap, as those who are anxious about the transience of human affairs miss out on the rewards of eternal life. ‘Clouds’ can also refer to prophets, as exemplified by the Psalmist: "Dark waters in clouds of air" (Psalms 17:12), illustrating the concealed wisdom of the prophets. The term ‘clouds’ can reference the Apostles as well; for Isaiah states: "I will command the clouds not to water, not to rain upon him" (Isaiah 5:6). They are compared to ‘stars’ for the brightness of their virtuous lives; and they are also ‘clouds’ since they nourish the arid soil of our hearts with streams of heavenly insight. If they were not ‘clouds,’ the prophet would not have asked: "Who are these that fly like clouds?" (Isaiah 60:8). Thus, the torrents pour from the clouds in mighty cascades, since the profound teachings of those who follow them have their wisdom rooted in the holy Apostles. Therefore, it is said concerning the clouds: "Which cover all things above" (Job 36:28).
When the clouds obscure the sky, if we raise our eyes towards heaven, we do not see the heavens themselves, but rather the clouds; our vision is unable to penetrate the higher realms because our afflictions hinder it. When the sun shines from the heavens, it first passes through the intervening air before we can behold the sun's rays in the sky. As mortals aspiring to understand divine matters, we lift our eyes toward the heavens, striving to disengage from earthly concerns, yearning to grasp spiritual truths. However, since our intellects are unprepared for the divine unless guided by the examples of the saints who have walked before us, our gaze may be upward, yet we see only clouds; our minds strive to understand divine matters, but we can only with great difficulty appreciate those things which have been imparted to humanity. Henceforth, it is articulated elsewhere: "Thou art more glorious than the eternal mountains" (Psalms 75:5). Just as one who cannot see the sun’s rising looks at the mountains illuminated by its light, thus recognizing the sun’s ascent, God enlightens us from these eternal mountains by illuminating our understanding through admiration of the deeds of the ancient fathers. Behold, we are ignited with fervor and love for the Lord, yet this devotion and love become more steadfast through our reflections upon these clouds. Who, then, was more devoted than Peter? Who was more filled with love than John? One, through his devotion, was unafraid to walk upon the waves (Matthew 14:28-29); another rested his head on the bosom of our Creator, receiving spiritual sustenance in his time of need (John 13:23-25).
Yet, since we have noted that the prophets are likewise termed ‘clouds,’ it reveals the necessity of prioritizing the examples of the ancient fathers. When we strive through obedience to fulfill heavenly commandments, we are guided by the virtues exemplified by these fathers. Who exhibited greater obedience than Abraham, who at a single command from the Lord departed from his kin and homeland? (Genesis 12:1-4). As we seek to cultivate the virtue of patience, we look to the examples of those who have gone before. Who demonstrated more patience than Isaac, who carries the wood, questions about the offering, and subsequently allows himself to be bound and placed upon the altar without protest? (Genesis 22:6-9). Who can claim to be more patient than he, who approaches as if seeking comfort but finds himself restrained and prepared for sacrifice, yet speaks not a word? Who inquires about the offering, and upon learning it’s his own, remains silent? When we aspire to be diligent and hardworking, we find encouragement from those who preceded us. Who worked harder than Jacob, who, though related to Laban, served faithfully for years, remaining obedient to receive the reward promised? (Genesis 29:15-30). When we desire to scale the heights of temperance and chastity, we draw strength from those who went before. Who displayed greater chastity than Joseph, who, even while captive, abstained from fulfilling the desires of his mistress? (Genesis 39:7-8). Though enslaved by humans, he remained impervious to the overwhelming temptations of evil. When we long to embody mercy, we look to the examples of those before us. Who showed more mercy than Moses, who bore the burden of the people's rebellion, yet interceded with the Lord, asking for His forgiveness upon those who persecuted him, bravely taking upon himself divine wrath in their stead? (Numbers 16:20-22). And when we seek to establish mental fortitude, we are encouraged by those who have blazed the trail ahead. Who displayed more steadfastness than Jeremiah, who, when on a mission to seek the nations, feared neither their heights nor their numbers? (Numbers 14:6-9). Thus, he triumphed over the very nations he ventured to find.
As we endeavor to embody kindness, we again learn from the examples of those who have walked before us. Who manifested greater kindness than Samuel, who, having lost his power, sought a successor with humility; and after anointing him king, endured persecution from his own anointed? He feared the wrath of the one he had appointed, yet pleaded with the Lord that he might not incite His anger against him. For he declared, "When he is sent, Saul will hear and kill me" (1 Samuel 16:2), and the Lord responds, "How long will you grieve for Saul, whom I have rejected?" (1 Samuel 16:1). Who can be more benevolent than one who bears no ill will towards the man from whom he fears death? As we seek to reach the summit of mercy and humility, we again find sustenance from the examples of those who trod this path before us. For who could be recognized as more merciful than David, or more humble than he, who, despite receiving scorn from the king for his victories—by which he freed Israel from its foes—chose to flee rather than slay the powerless? Acknowledging his divine selection and the rejection of his adversary, he nevertheless surrendered himself to that adversary, exercising humility; he took the spear of his pursuer and cut away a portion of his garment (1 Samuel 24:4), quickly retreating to the mountain, demonstrating he had the power to kill but striving not to take a life (1 Samuel 26:12-16).
When we learn from these preceding examples, reflecting on all that we aspire to in the spiritual realm, it is rightfully said of these clouds that they encompass all things above. The lives of the fathers envelop us like clouds to nourish our spirits, enabling us to yield the fruitful growth of virtue. We observe how it is with clouds when we gaze upward; first contemplating the righteous deeds, we then begin to experience the heavenly things through our understanding. The life and virtues of these clouds, that is, the ancient fathers, would remain concealed if the other clouds—namely, the Apostles—had not illuminated them through their prophetic teachings. May our focus return to these clouds that traverse the world with their proclamations, as we reflect on what the Lord has accomplished through their assistance in the world.