Additionally, it is written, “Before the light of Thy flying arrows, before the shining of Thy glittering spears” - Habakkuk 3:11. The arrows dispatched into the light signify His messages filled with truth. However, since people frequently disregard these words of life—even when they comprehend them—miracles often occur. Here, the invocation is made for the brilliance radiating from Your armaments, which symbolizes the awe of miracles. We arm ourselves with these expressions while overcoming our adversaries through divine signs. The sacred heralds confront their foes with their teachings, akin to using arrows, while they protect themselves with divine actions—miracles; for as far as their voices reach, they resound with the strength of their arrows, and as far as they are revered, they radiate the splendor of miracles. Thus, it was asked of blessed Job, "Shall You send forth lightnings, which will go forth, return, and say, ‘Here we are’?" You understand intimately, “As unto Me.” The lightnings emerge as preachers shine with divine wonders, piercing the hearts of listeners with holy reverence. Upon their return, they declare, "Behold us," not drawing attention to themselves, but rather attesting to the power of God and acknowledging the deeds they have accomplished. What does their returning to God and saying, "Here we are" signify? It expresses a form of obedience encapsulated in that phrase. Consequently, the holy preachers, upon returning, exclaim, “Here we are,” glorifying His grace, from which they discern they have gained victory in their endeavors, attributing their accomplishments to Him alone. Though these lightnings set forth to fulfill their purpose, they cannot return in arrogance.
Let us reflect on the nature of lightning’s emergence. Peter addressed the lame man, stating, “Silver and gold I have not; but what I have I give unto thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk.” He took him by the right hand, lifted him up, and immediately strength filled the man’s legs and feet, and he leapt up and walked - Acts 3:6-8. However, when the multitude of Jews were astounded by this miracle, we are invited to contemplate the returning thunders. Peter affirmed, “Men of Israel, why marvel at these things, or why look on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Son Jesus” - Acts 3:12. Furthermore, he continues, “We are witnesses of these things; and through faith in His name has made this man strong whom you see and know: and the faith which is by him has given him perfect soundness in the presence of you all” - Acts 3:15-16. Thus, the lightning radiated when Peter performed the miracle, and it returned as he credited his actions to God, the true Source. The light penetrates when sacred preachers manifest divine works, and they proclaim on their return, “Here we are,” attributing their deeds to the authority of their Creator.
Moreover, we can interpret this in another manner. Holy individuals, as mentioned earlier, manifest like lightning when transitioning from contemplation to engaging in active duty. They are sent forth and undertake their tasks, expanding from profound reflection into the active realm. They return with the declaration, “Here we are,” because after executing outward acts, they consistently seek the embrace of contemplation to reignite the fervor of their devotion and shine with heavenly brilliance. Without this continual return, their passions would grow slack, although they strive diligently to revive themselves with the warmth of contemplation. As Solomon wisely stated, “All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full: unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again” - Ecclesiastes 1:7. Rivers metaphorically denote those streams of inspiration equivalent to the lightnings, for they nourish the hearts of the hearers, hence being termed rivers, while their fiery nature likens them to lightning. As stated in another place, “The floods have risen, O Lord; the rivers lift up their voice” - Psalms 92:3. Again, “His lightnings illuminate the world” - Psalms 96:4. Accordingly, rivers return to their source, as holy individuals while fulfilling their missions still continuously retreat to contemplation, striving to perceive the brilliance of their Creator, beyond the demands of active service. Although they verbally communicate profound truths during their preaching, they also return to quiet reflection, seeking the Source of Life itself. It is apt to say they return to flow again, for without a dedication to God and an engagement in contemplation, their outward messages would wither. Yet, as they consistently yearn for that divine communion, their inner springs afford them the vigor to flow forth to us through teaching. Hence, it is rightly affirmed, “Shall You send forth lightnings, and they shall go forth, return, and say unto You, ‘Here we are’?” You understand how the One who prepares Your heralds orchestrates their mission, enabling them to flourish through contemplation while serving in the world, ensuring they may fulfill their duties and then dwell quietly in the embrace of divine contemplation. They return, declaring, “Here we are,” for while they may outwardly appear devoted to their tasks, they intrinsically acknowledge their presence in God through their obedience, revealing their love.
THEOSIS