Not only do they commit wrongdoings, but they also justify their actions and label wickedness as good. Rulers accept bribes, and judges emulate their corruption by condemning others as if they themselves were not guilty, each justifying their own misdeeds because of another’s. Those in positions of authority, who should be interpreters of divine law, instead speak their own desires. Thus, truth is confused in a land where it is said, "A holy man has perished from the earth." Indeed, even the most virtuous among them has become like a thorn, causing harm to those who approach, and the one deemed righteous turns out to be an obstacle rather than help.
The prophetic or apostolic voice weeps for humanity at large, lamenting that the seed of wisdom has been sown in vain. When the reaper comes, instead of finding a bountiful harvest, he discovers only withered straw and dry stalks, struggling even to locate the smallest fruit. If it is true that blessed is he who speaks to attentive ears, it follows that woe is the teacher burdened by an unresponsive student. This sorrow resonates with the words of the prophet Jeremiah: "I have been of no use to anyone, and no one has been of any use to me." Some interpret this as referring to the Savior, who, amidst so many believers, finds but few worth His sacrifice, echoing the sentiment, "What profit is there in My blood, when I go down to corruption?" Others argue that the expression of woe is ill-suited for Him who proclaimed, "Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest," and "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." It is observed that it is not surprising He laments, considering His tears shed for Jerusalem and the death of Lazarus. These lamentations may pertain to the ultimate harvest at the end of the age, a time of increasing iniquity when faith shall grow rare, and the Son of Man shall find little belief upon His return. In that day, the faithful may seem as scarce as straw left after the harvest, or dry berries in the vineyard. This sorrowful expression echoes through the Savior's own words, reflecting the deep lament of His soul, as expressed in "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death."
The godly may vanish from the earth, either because of threats from the Antichrist's followers or due to the overwhelming temptations that ensnare all. "Among men there is not one that correcteth: all are tried in blood," not against trivial sins, but grave offenses. Neither companionship nor kinship will deter wrongdoing; all will be drawn to evil acts, leaving even those unwilling participants guilty through corrupt intent. Rulers plead with false fervor, and judges, swayed by bribes, abandon justice for personal gain. Recognizing this corruption, and wary of the scorn of authorities, I leave the understanding of this matter to the reader, while noting the truth that "Gifts blind the eyes of even the wise." Judges spare those who should be judged and condemn the innocent, all driven by the allure of unholy gifts.
The Lord warns, "And I will destroy their prosperity," which they falsely view as beneficial—though, in truth, it leads to destruction both for the giver and receiver. Through divine intervention, His aim is not calamity but redemption, seeking to cleanse their hearts and bring order and truth into their lives. This vision of restoration unfolds in the fullness of time when the saints in the church ascend to heavenly realms, engaged in deep communion on divine mysteries far beyond earthly understanding.
THEOSIS