THEOSISGregory the Great
But carry out what you have started; listen, and discern if I speak falsely (Job 6:28). Because he remains unafraid in the face of trials, he can confidently proclaim, But fulfill what you have begun; and since he does not shy away from declaring the Truth even to his adversaries, he may also say, Hear, and discern if I speak falsely.
Read more (427 words)
As if he were to clarify, ‘I have not flinched from the wrongs inflicted upon me in the past, nor will I withhold the correction that should reach ungrateful listeners, for I have been fortified through my tribulations, nourished by love extending even to my persecutors.’ The thoughts of the saints, in this spiritual battle of temptations, are both shielded by the protection of patience and armed with the sword of love; they receive assistance to endure mistreatment while extending kindness in return. Thus, they wield a mighty weapon against animosity, countering aggression with the arrows of love. A person incapable of fighting effectively, who has a shield yet neglects to wield a sword, or wields a sword but lacks the defense of a shield, is ill-prepared. Therefore, the servant of God faced with the trials of adversity must hold the shield of patience close to avoid despair and proclaim truthfully, launching the arrows of love to gain victory. The Apostle Paul succinctly teaches us about this armor when he states, Love is patient, love is kind (1 Cor. 13:4). However, if even one element is missing, it is not genuine love; that is, if it endures the wicked without mercy, it lacks love, or if it fails to show patience, it disregards bearing with those it loves. Consequently, for true love to flourish in us, we must ensure that both patience is nurtured by charity, and charity is upheld by patience, allowing a magnificent structure to be built within us, wherein patience fortifies the tower of kindness and kindness bestows the grace of patience as the solid foundation of the edifice. Therefore, let the blessed Job, as a call to patience, say, But fulfill what you have begun; and, filled with compassion, let him add, Listen, and discern if I speak falsely.
Moreover, because the Holy Church, well-versed in the path of humility, does not dictate proper teachings through mere authority to those who have strayed, but rather welcomes their confessions through conviction, this phrase is well-placed: and see if I lie. As if to say plainly, ‘In all that I assert, I do not seek your trust based on my authority, but through contemplation and the clarity of understanding, judge for yourselves whether it is true.’ If at any time she presents something that eludes human reasoning, she wisely advises that the human mind should refrain from probing for hidden truths. Yet it often occurs that heretics, when granted a chance for argument, allow themselves to engage in contentious turmoil. Thus, they immediately become obstinate.