THEOSISGregory the Great
The rays of the sun shall bow beneath him, as stated in Job 41:22. In the Scriptures, the term 'sun' can represent the Lord, signify persecution, highlight clarity and transparency, or refer to the understanding that comes from wisdom. It is attributed to the Lord when the Book of Wisdom declares that on the day of the final judgment, the wicked lament, "Therefore we have strayed from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness has not shone upon us, nor has the sun shone upon us" (Prem. 5:6). This implies that the inner light of understanding did not dwell within them. Similarly, John speaks of "a woman clothed with the sun" and "the moon under her feet" (Rev. 12:1), where 'the sun' symbolizes the illumination of truth, whereas the moon suggests the instability of worldly affairs.
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The Holy Church, enveloped in the radiance of divine glory, is represented as being clothed with the sun, while she overcomes transitory matters, signifying this by treading upon the moon.
Moreover, 'the sun' can denote persecution, as illustrated in the Gospel, where it says that seeds that grew without roots wilted under the sun (Matthew 13:6). This reflects how the life-giving words that sprout momentarily in the hearts of mortals can wither when faced with the scorching heat of persecution. Yet 'the sun' also refers to something apparent and evident, as the Psalmist writes, "He planted His dwelling in the sun" (Psalms 18:5), indicating that He elucidates the mystery of His human nature with radiant clarity. As mentioned in the Divine message to Nathan, "Thou hast done in secret, but I will do it before all Israel and before the sun" (2 Samuel 12:12), expressing that to act 'before the sun' indicates a revelation that is visible to all.
In reference to wisdom, 'the sun' is also spoken of in the Apocalypse, where it states that the fourth angel poured out his cup upon the sun, resulting in the ability to afflict humanity with heat and fire (Rev. 16:8). This metaphor implies that the pouring of a cup into the sun represents an opportunity for the wise, bearing the light of understanding, to be humbled through trials. When the wise endure the punishments for their misdeeds, their earthly ambitions are consumed. Solomon also connects the astuteness of wisdom with 'the sun,' declaring, "A wise man is constant as the sun, a fool is changeable as the moon" (Sir. 27:11). In this context, the 'sun' signifies the intellect of the wise.
Many who appear to radiate divine wisdom within the Holy Church may find themselves lured by the temptations of the adversary or overwhelmed by difficulties, thus exposing themselves to the influence of this Leviathan. It is rightly said that the rays of the sun shall bow beneath him, suggesting that those who once shone with sharp wisdom, upon whom the light of truth has faded, present themselves before this Leviathan through their wrong actions, having allowed their vices to extinguish the illumination of their virtuous nature. Therefore, the light of wisdom is subdued when learned individuals fail to honor the essence of their understanding, allowing themselves to become entangled in sinful deeds while seeking approval from this Leviathan.
The heavenly gift, once bright as the sun, becomes diminished through earthly cravings, falling before the arch-enemy. Even now, when the wise pursue fame or wealth, they cast shadows of light under the feet of the approaching Antichrist. Behemoth, in this sense, diminishes the heavenly brilliance by trampling upon the thoughts of the wise, as the rays of the sun lay prostrate before him whenever those who are supposedly enlightened engage in misguided interpretations of Scripture, perpetuating errors and leading others astray.
Such rays of the sun are likewise present when individuals, once enlightened by the light of understanding, give in to pride, disrespect for others, or carnal desires, forgetting their heavenly calling and indulging in earthly pursuits. The subsequent statement, "He shall heap gold under him as clay" (Job 41:22), illustrates this point. In Scripture, 'gold' can refer to the brilliance of the Divine, the radiance of the heavenly city, mercy, the allure of worldly glory, or the beauty of holiness.
Gold symbolizes the divine radiance as described in the Song of Songs, which notes, "his head is pure gold" (Song 5:11), emphasizing the brilliance of Christ's divinity over His humanity. Furthermore, the heavenly city is depicted as being made of pure gold, resembling clear glass (Rev. 21:18), for gold is indicative of brightness and glass represents clarity. Additionally, gold conveys the beauty of holiness, as it is stated that a heavenly messenger clothed in long garments bore a golden sash (Rev. 1:13), signifying the unity of piety among the heavenly inhabitants.
Gold can also indicate earthly glory, as the prophet proclaimed that "Babylon is a golden cup" (Jer. 51:7), suggesting that it symbolizes worldly grandeur. This golden cup intoxicates foolish hearts, leading them to desire the fleeting and to overlook the true beauty of the unseen realm. Eve succumbed to this allure, desiring the forbidden fruit when she beheld its pleasing appearance and delightful taste (Gen. 3:6). Babylon becomes a golden cup representing outer beauty that obscures inner righteousness. Similarly, in lamenting the change of the Jewish people, Jeremiah mourns, "How are those things which are gold become dim, the best colors are lost?" (Jer. 4:1), illustrating that the brilliance of righteousness wanes in the face of sin's darkness.
On the other hand, 'clay' in Scripture can denote a multitude of earthly possessions, corrupt teachings, or the temptations of fleshly desires. It signifies a variety of worldly goods, as when the prophet Habakkuk warns, "Woe to him who enriches himself with that which is not his; how long shall he gather against himself a thick layer of clay?" (Ab. 2:6). It implies that those who amass wealth through greed are burdened by their sins. Clay also refers to worldly doctrines that lack substance, as exemplified by the Lord's proclamation, "Thou hast made a way in the sea for thy horses, in the clay of the waters of many" (Ab. 3:15), indicating that He paves a path for His messengers amidst the murky teachings of the world.
Additionally, clay symbolizes carnal desires, as the psalmist implores, "Take me out of the clay, that I may not wallow" (Psalms 68:15). To wallow in clay suggests succumbing to the pollutants of unholy lust. In this context, 'gold' represents the brilliance of holiness, while 'clay' refers to avarice for earthly things, the toxicity of false teachings, or the degradation of sinful pleasures. This Leviathan will attract many, who once seemed radiant within the Holy Church, either through earthly greed or the contamination of erroneous beliefs, or through the lure of base desires, amassing gold beneath him as though it were clay.
To trample gold like clay denotes the compromise of lives marked by virtue through unholy cravings, causing even the virtuous to stray after his wretched example. The ancient enemy will deceive some by masquerading as holy, while leading others into the carnality of life. He operates overtly in some aspects, but often remains hidden within the hearts of many, as attested by Paul's assertion that "the mystery of iniquity is already at work" (2 Thess. 2:6-7). Thus, he continuously pours forth gold as if it were clay when he undermines believers’ purity through sinful indulgence.
He accumulates gold like clay when he flaunts impure desires, becoming increasingly reckless as the culmination of the ages approaches. Some may wonder why the gracious Lord allows such occurrences, permitting the Leviathan to cunningly entice the wise or to amass those shining with holiness like gold beneath him, beneath the weight of their sins. The answer lies in the truth that the gold he gathers was never genuinely gold in the eyes of God. Those misled may seem to have lost their sanctity; however, in the Divine perspective, they never truly possessed it.
Often, individuals who outwardly exhibit virtue harbor numerous hidden sins. When these apparent virtues receive praise from others, individuals can become preoccupied with seeking admiration rather than cultivating true goodness. Even strong virtues diminish when an effort is made to conceal inner deficiencies while showcasing what pleases men. What merit can exist before God when sins are hidden and virtues are artificially presented? Pride can be concealed while chastity remains public, but chastity known to everyone may be lost as one nears life's end. Those previously compassionate may find themselves consumed with anger or greed as they approach their conclusion.
As a result, they embody both 'gold' and 'clay'; the 'gold' becomes 'clay' when the brightness of virtue is tainted by secret sins. It is essential to ponder the magnificence of God's divine order in such situations. The Almighty often permits the hidden transgressions of certain individuals to utilize their visible virtues for the upliftment of His chosen ones. Some may never fully abandon worldly pleasures to embrace the narrow path of salvation, yet through their example, they ignite a desire for holiness in the true elect.
Those who embark upon the path may hastily seek a destination, prompting others to follow, inspired by their presence. Yet, challenges may deter the initial seekers, while those who follow continue to the appointed end. This scenario mirrors those who momentarily pursue holiness without intent to persevere; their entrance onto the virtue pathway, albeit temporary, guides others in their own journey. The failures of these individuals also serve to elevate the chosen, for witnessing the downfalls can instill a reliance on divine support, especially as many fall due to their own strength.
Thus, when the unrighteous display proper conduct, they inadvertently lay a path for the faithful who follow; and their subsequent failures reveal the traps of pride, alerting the elect. Let the Leviathan pursue his path, putting the rays of the sun beneath him and accumulating gold like clay. The Almighty knows how to justly utilize the sins of those forsaken for the salvation of His chosen; those who are able to reach Him are often corrected in their prideful thoughts by learning from others' mistakes. If the Leviathan operates thus with those who possess some virtue, what might he do with those whose thoughts remain entirely immersed in earthly desires? This inquiry is central to the Divine discourse.