THEOSISGregory the Great
You shall recognize that your descendants will be numerous, and your progeny will resemble the grass of the field. After peace is found within his domain and after 'visiting our likeness,' the diverse offspring of the righteous shall arise. This occurs after a period of personal restraint and a fullness of ethical virtues, enabling the message of prophecy to take root more effectively, as the diligent practice of one's inner self cultivates the ground. The individual who receives the gift of eloquence and expands the capacity of his heart through righteous living will find that conscience does not obstruct communication when actions precede words. This illustrates how the Egyptians, who were enslaved under Joseph’s guidance, gained grain for sowing by humbling themselves before the king.
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We are sustained by the fruit of the sacred word, even as we indulge in worldly pleasures that divert our attention. However, upon becoming servants, we are also given grain for sowing, for in wholly yielding ourselves to God, we are nourished further by the prophetic message. Therefore, as the abundant progeny of faithful souls flourish when holy preaching follows the increase of the seed, it is rightly stated: "And your offspring are as grass on the earth." The descendants of the righteous are likened to the grass of the earth, for those born in their likeness, while interrupting the fading glory of this life, flourish with hope for eternity. The offspring of the righteous also grow like 'grass,' for they first demonstrate through their lives what they proclaim with their teachings, leading to countless followers. Yet, those who regard worldly desires with contempt, who expand their horizons through the vigor of a virtuous life, find that significant achievements cannot be realized externally unless they possess the insight gained from contemplation to delve into deeper truths. Therefore, it is fitting to add the following words: