THE RIGHTEOUS MAN, AS A SYMBOL OF THE MESSIAH ‘Job’ reveals the way in which he used to fear the Lord, and depart from evil. He does not think just of the material happiness, but appreciates the friendship with God (4- 5). He has not abused the authority like many kings. He is capable of drinking from the cup of suffering without losing his inner peace and his smile. It seems that ‘Job’, after talking about wisdom and understanding in the previous chapter, stopped talking for a while, expecting to hear some comment on his words from one of his friends; But as they found nothing to say, ‘Job’ resumed his talk, presenting some memories of his golden days. 1- Job’s past happiness in the Lord 1 – 6 2- “Job’ used to be honored by people of all levels 7 – 10 3- Job’s services to everyone 11 – 17 4- Job’s hope for resuming his past prosperity 18 – 25 1- JOB’S PAST HAPPINESS IN THE LORD: “’Job’ further continued his discourse, and said: ’Oh, that I were as in months past, As in the days when God watched over me” (Job 29: 1) Here we hear the sick, sad, and confused man, remember the days of his prosperity and comfort, and tell us how the Lord watched over him, how all people used to respect him, how they arose as he went out to the gate of the city, and how they made him their ruler. But now, even the socially lowliest of the low, despise and ridicule him. He confirms that he has never been guilty of committing any secret sin nor a crime of lust, never oppressed the poor or the widow, nor kept food from the fatherless; And he confirms how he rejected lies, deceit, oppression, meanness, greed, idol worship, gloating, hypocrisy, etc. Yet, while proclaiming his innocence, he does not claim that it was his own doing, as much as it was out of God’s care for him. The secret of his past prosperity has been because God watched over him Looking back at his past, and comparing it to his present condition, ‘Job’ coveted that time would somehow come back, and he would resume what he used to be. Overall, he does not refer his past success, happiness and prosperity to his own efforts, nor to his personal abilities and talents, but rather to God’s mercies, saying: “The Lord watched over me”. He did not consider his wealth as his stronghold (Proverbs 10: 15); nor “trusted in the abundance of his riches” (Psalm 52: 7), but “The name of the Lord was his strong tower” (Proverbs 18: 10). He admits that the Lord has been like a wall of fire around him, He was the secret of his security. “’’Job’ further continued his discourse, and said: ‘Oh that I were as in months past1” (29). Oh, that I live again, for just one month, my past good life, to reveal to you how I have been before, and to shut up your mouths! He does not ask for something much, but to resume his past happiness, for only thirty days, to enjoy the good days that he does not owes to any one of them! 1التزمت بالنصوص الواردة في كتابات القدیس یوحنا الذهبي الفم كما هي. 2 Notice the piety of the good man; referring everything to God; Saying that no man without the help of God would be able to enjoy such good life; He adds: “As in the days when God watched over me” (29); He recalls his past good life, as an actual testimony to God’s care for him. The apostle Paul tells us that God is the fountain, the source of every goodness, with no need for a partner or a counselor; the Beginning; the Foundation; the Initiator of all good things; And the Creator, who ordains, and controls everything according to His will1. “When His lamp shone upon my head, and when by His light I walked through the darkness” (Job 29: 3) The light shining from him was that of God, who shone His lamp upon his head; It is as though ‘Job’ is like a ‘lighthouse’, which would be of no value without the divine lamp. He is indebted to the “true light”, which guides him in the midst of darkness, grants him comfort in the midst of sorrows, and keep him away from offenses. With a spirit of humility, together with thanksgiving, ‘Job’ presents himself to God as a ‘lighthouse’, whose power, whatever its material or form, is in the light put on its top, to guide ships from several miles afar. ‘Job’ confesses that, even if he is a ‘lighthouse’, Yet the light over his head is the light of God, and not his own; it is the lamp of God, the true Light. While the prophet David sees in the word of God, “a lamp to (his) feet and a light to (his) path” (Psalm 119: 105), to help him walk in the darkness of this life; ‘Job’, on the other hand sees in the word of God a divine lamp placed over his head, to guide several ships to a secure haven. It is fitting for the believer to bow before God to fill his life with His Holy Spirit, the Grantor of enlightenment; Then to praise God, saying: “In Your light we see light” (Psalm 36: 9). He does not say, “I see’, but “We see”. As once the believer get enlightened, he draws many to enjoy the divine light together with him. Talking about his good works, “Job’ ads: “When His lamp shone upon my head” (3). That lamp is lighted by the oil of the good works of each of us; Yet, once we practice evil, and our works become wicked, We would, not only stop giving light, but that lamp upon our heads would be extinguished; And in us would be realized what is written in the Holy Book: “He who hates his brother is in darkness, and does not know where he is going” (1 John 2: 11). Is it not obvious here, that he who extinguishes the light of love, is extinguishing that lamp? Whereas he who loves his brother abides in the light (of love) (see 1John4: 21); and would be able to say together with David: “As for me, I am like a fruitful Olive tree in the house of God” (52: 8) and about him it would be said: “His children are like olive plants all around his table” (Psalm 128: 3) 2. The scholar Origen By the term “lamp”, is meant the light of the Holy Book, about which the apostle Peter says: “We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in the dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in 1Divine Providence. 2Homilies on Leviticus, homily 13: 2: 4. 3 your hearts” (2 Peter 1: 19); And the psalmist says: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119: 105). Now, because the uppermost part of the body is the mind, namely, ‘the head’, the Psalmist says: “You anoint my head with oil” (psalm 23: 5); as though he says: ‘You fill my soul with the oil of love’. Now, the lamp of God shines on the head of the church, where the holy commandments shine on the darkness of our minds. In the darkness of this life, we receive the light of the word of God. Pope Gregory the Great The Holy Book enlightens the eyes of the soul; Read it, O man of reason, and get filled with its love; as by reading the holy books, the sun would shine on the minds that feed on them with discernment. As God has put the Holy Books in the world as a lamp of light to lighten its darkness; he who seeks his own good, should get enlightened by reading its commandments, and walking according to its statutes. With love, approach the Book; Meditate in its beauty, As You will not have benefit without love, which is the entrance into understanding. The Book has to be read with love; if you do not love it, do not read it. It talks to you; if you get bored, it would deny you its inspirations. You should open it, love it, read it, and meditate in its beauty; Otherwise, Do not read it, because if you do not love it, you will not benefit from it. St. (Mar.) Jacob El-Serougi “Just as I was in the days of my prime, when the friendly counsel of God was over my tent” (Job 29: 4) In the writings of Pope Gregory the Great, it came as: “When God was sitting with me in my tent”; A phrase that reveals the exalted humility of God, and His amazing love for man! It probably also refers to the incarnation of the divine Word, who, by receiving Manhood, came to be in our tent. ‘Job’ looked back on the days of his youth, counting them as ‘the days of his autumn’, during which he felt God’s pleasure over his tent. In other words, he realized that, in the days of his youth, because he did not walk according to the lusts of his body, He entered, as though in a friendship with God, who found His pleasure in Job’s tent, sat with him, cared for him, and guided him, to bring him over to his eternal dwelling place. “Just as I was in the days of my prime, When God used to sit with me in my tent” (4)… Whoever meditates in silence in God’s commandments, will have God sit with him in secret in his tent. Pope Gregory the Great ‘Job’ does not say how he enjoyed in the days of his youth, the sweetness of sitting together with his wife and among his little children; Or of being honored by the elite in his tent; But he remembers only, how God’s care was over his tent, and His condescendence to sit with him, as his own beloved son! What a marvelous portrait of the man of God, who is only preoccupied with God’s pleasure in him, His love for him, His condescendence to sit with him, talk to him, and listen to him. 4 If God made ‘Job’ a lighthouse that bears the flame of divine light, to guide the ships of men to the secure heavenly haven; On another aspect, He made out of Job’s tent another heaven, where God found pleasure to sit together with His beloved subject. If we consider our bodies as tents, where our souls dwell during their journey in this world, God, the Creator, would not despise these tents, being the work of His hands. He sanctifies our bodies, with all their emotions, feelings, and energies; He dwells in them, and guides them to enjoy the glories of the eternity forever. “When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were around me” (Job 29: 5) In the days of his youth, feeling the love of God; was the secret of Job’s fulfillment and satisfaction. He used to feel as though living in a heavenly palace; and yet, he was not preoccupied with the riches, dignity, or authority; but, together with his family, all were living in a fellowship with God, the true Head of the household. Why do you reject to follow the role models of the saintly men and women of the Old Testament? Tell me! Especially you, O mothers! Think about ‘Hannah’, and meditate in how she brought her only toddler son ‘Samuel’ to live in the temple. Who among you, does not wish for her son to be like ‘Samuel’, who was thousands of times better than any king in this world? You may say: ‘It is impossible that my son would be as great as ‘Samuel’! Why would it be? It would be impossible because you do not want it to be! Just hand him to God, who is can make him as great as ‘Samuel’, whom ‘Hannah’ put in His hands. ‘Eli’ the High priest was actually, not in a position to conform the little boy, having failed to conform his own two sons; but it was the faith of the boy’s mother and her zeal, which made it possible. Although he was then, her only son, and she did not know if she would have any other children; yet she, not for one single moment, thought in her mind of waiting for some time until he grows up a little, to give him the chance to taste the pleasures of this world, at least in his youth. No, her only goal was to dedicate the joy of her heart to God. O men, You should feel ashamed before the wisdom of that woman, who presented Samuel, her baby, the joy of her heart to God; Her only goal was spiritual; to dedicate the first fruit of her womb to God. By that her marriage was more sanctified, God granted her many more children; and let her see how Samuel was honored even in this life. If people pay back honor with honor; God pays back, the one who honors Him with greater honor! He gives in abundance, even to those who do not honor Him altogether! Until when shall we remain like that, a lump of bodies?! Until when shall we remain attached to the earth?! Let our care for our children have the priority over anything else; Let us “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6; 4) 1. St. John Chrysostom “When my steps were washed with milk and the rock poured out for me streams of oil” (Job 29: 6) 1On Vainglory and the Right Way for Parents to Bring up Their Children. 5 God gave him an abundance of everything; So many sheep to imagine that he can wash his feet in milk; and so many olive trees to imagine that the rocks surrounding him flow with oil. Washing the believer’s steps with milk or cream; and having the rocks flow for him with oil, refer to his feeling of inner fulfillment; not just enough to anoint his body members with oil, but to feel as though his soul plunged in streams of holy oil; According to the words of the prophet Ezekiel: “’I will make their rivers run like oil’, says the Lord God” (Ezekiel 32: 14); to those in a song by Moses before his departure: “He made him to draw honey from the rock, and oil from the flinty rock” (Deuteronomy 32: 13); And in a praise by David: “The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145: 15-16). And representing the church, ‘Job’ hints to the fact that, preaching the gospel of Christ, the church provides the world with an inner fulfillment and satisfaction; preaching the One crucified and rejected by the world, in whom are all the treasures of knowledge, all the treasures of heaven. “When my feet were washed with cream1” (6) The feet are washed with cream, when the saintly preachers are filled with good works. “And the rock poured out rivers of oil for me” (6). By the ‘Rock’ he means Christ, according to Paul, the great preacher (1Corinthians 10: 4). A Rock that now pours rivers of oil to be used by the holy church, where the Lord speaks and preaches. Pope Gregory the Great Do you seek the fulfillment of the body, after which it would soon get hungry again? According to the words of The Lord Christ to the Samaritan woman: “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again” (John 4: 13). I wish our inner man would rather hunger for righteousness, to get fulfilled with the Lord, “the bread which came down from heaven” (John 6: 41); and would thirst for Him, “For with Him is the fountain of life” (Psalm 36: 9). The spiritual Elder I shall never be fulfilled until your glory is transfigured before me! Yes, My Lord, You, alone can give me back my happy life. To You, I confess my misery, on the day I depart from the vanity of this world, while deprived of You, the sole object of my love; when my carnal desires were scattered among several deceiving pleasures, that carry only poverty and troubles without limit; when I used to move from one pleasure to another, Yet none of them brought fulfillment to my soul, that lived only in You! Yes, In You alone is the beauty O, You, the only everlasting, exalted, and perpetually perfect! Whoever follows your footsteps would never get lost, and whoever reaches out for you, would never have despair! Although I know that whoever possesses you, all his desires will be fulfilled! Yet I am so miserable! My heart tends to flee from 1 التزمت بالنصوص الواردة في كتابات البابا غریغوریوس كما هي. 6 You, O, the true riches, and the true joy; to follow the world, where there is only grief and sorrow! St. Augustine 2- ‘JOB’ USED TO BE HONORED BY PEOPLE OF ALL LEVELS: “When I went out to the gate by the city, when I took my seat in the open square” (Job 29: 7) He was not so preoccupied with his great happiness at home to forget his duties toward others. He used to go out to the gate by the city to reside over the court of justice; not to enjoy authority, but rather to lift oppression, and to bring justice to everyone. Historically, It was the custom in the old days for the elders, like ‘Job’ to sit by the gates of the city to reside over providing justice to those entering; So that no oppression would find its way into it. Pope Gregory the Great “The young men saw me and hid, and the aged arose and stood” (Job 29: 8) According to the words of the apostle: “Let the elders who rule well be worthy of double honor” (1 Timothy 5: 17).; And, “Render therefore to all their due, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor” (Romans 13: 7). Job’s person was so surrounded by awe, that, on his arrival, the reckless young men used to hide, lest their wickedness would be revealed; and the mature and wise used to arise and stand aright in reverence “The boys saw me and hid, And the elders arose upright” (8). Historically, what he says is true; But, symbolically: Those whose hearts are not weighed with wise counsel, are called ‘boys’; Whereas those with long experience, in the Holy Book, are called ‘aged’; “For old age is not honored for length of time, or measured by number of years; but understanding is gray hair for anyone, and a blameless life is ripe old age” (Wisdom 4: 8-9). Now, seeing the holy church, ‘the boys’ hide and ‘the aged’ arise and stand aright; because the immature fear its uprightness, and the ages glorify it. Those of lean thoughts and the reckless, would ridicule its order and love, would flee away and hide, lest their secret behavior would be exposed; while the serious and blameless would commend it Pope Gregory the Great “The nobles refrained from talking, and put their hand on their mouth; the voice of the princes was hushed, and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth” (Job 29: 9, 10) Because ‘Job’ enjoyed a strong personality, based on his wisdom, abilities, and talents, he was revered by the nobles and the princes; in his presence all tend to keep silent to listen to him, and to benefit from his vast experience. They used to find with him the decisive solution for any of their controversies. Those described here as nobles and princes, may also refer to those who proclaim evil heresies, about whom is said: “He pours contempt on princes, and causes them to wonder in the wilderness where there is no way” (Psalm 107: 40). Such people do not fear to give wrong interpretations of God’s ordinances, by which they may draw the 7 flocks of sheep submitted to them, to lead them astray to a wilderness where there is no way; and not to the true ‘Way’, that is Christ. On such people, contempt is truly poured, to look as though putting their hand on their mouth! Their tongue is stuck to the roof of their mouth, not daring to utter what is evil beyond control, in an attempt to cover up what is against the true faith It is as though the church says: Once I have the chance to preach loud and clear, I would be feared by everyone not submitted to the truth. Pope Gregory the Great As much as God grants honor to His children; fearing lest they may fall into pride, they work with the spirit of humility; yet not without a flaring zeal. If their work is manifest, it would be for the glory of God; And if it remains hidden, it would be to keep them in the security of the stronghold of humility. Of the features of the saints, is to hide the good works they do, lest they may fall into haughtiness. That is why the ‘Truth’ says: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them” (Matthew 6: 1). Having granted the light to the two blind men on the road, He commanded them, saying: “See that no one knows it”. Yet, “When they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country” (Matthew 9: 30, 31). They should have hidden themselves for their own sake, and not proclaimed it except when it is necessary, for the benefit of others; according to the words of the Savior: “They do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, to give light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5: 15-16). There is time when the righteous are committed to do good deeds before men, Or to tell them about what they did; But not in order to be glorified, but to glorify their Father in heaven. That is why preachers try to avoid being honored; yet in certain situations, they do, in order to let others follow their lead. That was certainly the way the apostle Paul acted, when he, although avoiding to be honored, he was keen to confirm his true worthiness, when he said to the Thessalonians: “Nor did we seek glory from men, whether from you or from others though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you” (1Thessalonians 2: 6-7). Again, in his epistle to the Corinthians, avoiding being honored, he says: “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord” (2 Corinthians 4: 5)… By this, he both marvelously revealed the grace of humility, and sought an abundance of benefit; Proclaiming about himself as serving his disciples; and proving at the same time, that he is better than his enemies. Pope Gregory the Great 3- JOB’S SERVICES FOR EVERYONE: “When the ear heard, then It blessed me, and when the eye saw it approved” (Job 29: 11) His dignity was not based upon his wealth, nor upon his authority, but upon his practical behavior. Everyone testified to him through hearing his wisdom and ordinances; and through seeing his love and compassion. Because he attempted to follow the lead of the Lord the Lover f mankind, everyone testified to him. 8 Pope Gregory the Great sees in the person of the blessed ‘Job’ a symbol of the church, blessed and honored by all who listen to her, and who see her holy life. She may stay persecuted, yet she is also blessed, respected, and honored, even by her opponents. “Because I delivered the poor who cried out, and the fatherless, and he who had no helper” (Job 29: 12) Being blessed by all was based upon his good deeds; He used to find no rest before the poor has his comfort; nor find pleasure in his food, until the fatherless gets help from him. St. Basil the Great demands from us to follow the lead of the righteous ‘Job’, who became a father and a helper for the fatherless (12), and presented a spiritual concept for this ministry, saying that helping the fatherless does not stop at supporting them financially, but extends to embracing the young among them, to dedicate their hearts and life to the Lord. In his response to a question about what would be the right age to allow someone to dedicate himself to God; And when should the vow of virginity considered safe, he said: [As the Lord Himself says: “Let the little children come to Me” (Matthew 19: 14); And as the apostle commends those who know the holy Scripture from childhood (2Timothy 3: 15); And those who bring up their children in the training and admonition of the lord (Ephesians 6: 4); It so seems to me that all times of life, even the very early stages, are convenient for accepting those who apply for discipleship (monasticism). Moreover, we should embrace under our care, those children who are deprived of their parents, to become fathers of the fatherless, like the blessed ‘Job’ (12) 1. To clarify the reason why he is blessed, he quotes his good deeds, saying: “Because I delivered the poor who cried out” (12). Yet that comes after referring every worthiness to God, who was with him and kept him safe to glorify the Lord (1 Corinthians 1: 31). Notice how he does not boast that he departed from evil, nor that he offered sacrifices to the Lord, as the Jews used to do, But he boasts that he consummates what God demands (deliverance of the poor) through His prophet, saying: “Seek justice for the fatherless, And plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1: 17).. Notice how he does not abuse his authority, but uses it when he needs to; How he has been a father and advocate for all; Has not used his riches for oppression, his glory for boasting, nor his wisdom for evil; But used it to deliver those who are burdened under the oppression of the wicked. St. John Chrysostom Now, the church, besides presenting works of compassion on the material aspect, she keeps on presenting them spiritually. Besides materially delivering the poor who cries out, she forgives the sins of him when commits and repents. About those poor, it is written: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5: 3); and by their cries they say in the voice of the Psalmist: “Let your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, for we have been brought very low” (Psalm 79: 8). The church “delivers the fatherless who has no helper” (12), when anyone flee from the lusts of this world, to find in her bosom the help of good counsel… We can see 1 The Long Rules, Question 15. 9 in the “fatherless”, any believer, who, when he separates himself from his divine Father, is deprived of His care and compassion, and becomes “fatherless” for some time. Pope Gregory the Great “The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy” (Job 29: 13) The blessings and prayers of all those under devastating pressure, who found their deliverance in him, came upon him. And the contrite hearts of the widows sang for joy, because of his compassion and works of love. If God refers Him to the afflicted, the needy, and the contrite in heart, being a Father of the fatherless, and a Judge for the widows, ‘Job’ likewise, found pleasure in caring for these suffering categories. Understanding the exaltation of death, ‘Job’ says: “Let the blessings of him who is near to death, come upon me” (13) If we see someone poor dying, Let us come to his help; And if we see someone weak, in his final moments, Let us not forsake him; Helping those dying of old age, of serious wound, or of a deadly illness, at the last moments of their life, has brought blessings to many Let the final words of someone about to die, be uttering your name1. If it is our duty to extend mercy to all; would we rather not extend it to a believer in jail?! If your money dearer to you than the life of someone you see being led to his death, and you refrain from coming to his help, how horrible would be your sin! Let us always remember the marvelous words uttered by the blessed ‘Job’: “I wish the blessings of someone on his way to death, come upon me” (13) 2. St. Ambrose “The blessings of a perishing man” (13) comes upon the church, when she, anticipating the perdition of a sinner, hastens, by her holy counsel, to haul him up from the pit of sin; according to the holy Scripture: “He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and cover a multitude of sin” (James 5: 20). If it would be a great achievement to save from death, someone who, sooner or later would die; how much more would it be to save a soul from perdition, to live forever in the heavenly eternal city! Pope Gregory the Great “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban” (Job 29: 14) His works of compassion – by letting no one be not oppressed or insulted, nor a needy be humiliated – was not just a commitment, But it was like a robe he never took off. He counted those deeds, not as something of secondary importance in his life, but very essential, without which he would be bared before God Himself, and would come to be like his early parents Adam and Eve, while hiding among the trees in fear, nakedness and shame. He counted his works of righteousness, not as a gift given from him to others, but as a divine gift that clothes him with glory, and a royal turban (crown) over his head. His crown as a king was not for the sake of honor or prestige; His real crown was justice and 1Death is Good, 8: 37. 2Duties of the Clergy, 1:30:148. 10 mercy. His real dignity was not in his purple royal robe, nor in his turban and scepter, But was in the robe of righteousness, and the crown of truth. St. John Chrysostom believes that ‘Job’, who put on righteousness as a robe, was not appointed a judge by anyone, But it was his holy virtuous life that recommended him for that position, and made the people readily submit to his ordinances; As it was the case with Moses, whose virtuous life qualified him for leadership. He says: “I put on righteousness” (14). Some people, although, socially superior to others, Yet they practice oppression. But ‘Job’ always walked the way of righteousness. “Justice clothed me like a robe”. Some may consider the work of a judge as a burden, and a very wearisome duty; but not the blessed ‘Job’. He, who denies virtue, would have someone to judge him. St. John Chrysostom We are committed to judge ourselves; when we condemn ourselves for our sins, what is against us, would turn into our favor. According to the Holy Scripture, ‘the righteous begins his talk by condemning himself’; and: “I put on righteousness; it clothed me like a robe” (14). As long as we submit to lust, we are usually clothed with armor, ready for war, rather than for peace. Yet, everything would be different, once our last enemy is scattered, and our righteousness becomes perfect1. St. Augustine He, against whom Jacob wrestled, would not let him go empty-handed, but blessed him (Genesis 31: 29). A wise man would never go empty-handed, but is perpetually clothed in a robe of reason, and would have the right to say together with ‘Job’: “I put on righteousness, and I am clothed with justice” (14). This is indeed the inner clothing of the Spirit that no one can take off from man, unless he himself does, by his wrong doing against the truth. While Adam got himself naked (Genesis 3: 10-11), Joseph, on the other hand, never did; not even when his outer robe was taken away from him; He remained clothed with the secure robe of virtue. How would the wise ever be empty-handed, When his soul is perpetually fulfilled, securely clothed in the robe it has received2. St. Ambrose The way to wisdom is not like when someone emerges out of water all of a sudden, and gasps for air; but it would rather be like when someone comes out of darkness, and light gradually shines on him, the more he advances toward the entrance of the cave. The light he acquires would come from that toward which he advances, while any darkness that remains in him would be from that He leaves behind. Although it is truly said: “In His sight no one living is righteous” (Psalm 143: 2); yet, it is also written: “The righteous lives by his faith” (Habakkuk 2: 4). On one aspect, the saints are clothed with righteousness; And on another, No one lives completely without sin. Some may sin more, and some may sin less; the best of all is he who sins the least3. 1On Man’s Perfection in Righteousness, 27. 2 Jacob and the Happy Life, 5: 22. 3 Letter 167:3:13. 11 St. Augustine “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me” (14). When we put on a robe, we are indeed clothed by it all around. When we put on the robe of righteousness, and leave no bare gap for sin to enter into us, we would be guarded on every side by our good works. But if we are righteous in some works, and oppressive in others, we would be as though have covered a part of our body, and left another part bare. The good deeds that are later on defiled by evil deeds, would never produce goodness; according to the words of Solomon: “One sin destroys much good” (Ecclesiastes 9: 18 – Vulgate); And according to James: “Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2: 10); Then, to clarify this he added: “For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery’, also said, ‘Do not murder’. Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law” (James 2: 11). Therefore, we should look by the eyes of the heart all around, and should always be alert; according to the words of Solomon: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4: 23). And before the word ‘diligence’ he says ‘all’; As it is fitting for everyone of us, as long as he is still alive, to search himself diligently from all sides; he should be aware, that he is fighting a battle against spiritual enemies; lest he would lose the reward he earns through a group of certain works, by another one; Lest he would be closing the door in the face of the enemy on one side, to open before him another door on another. If a city is surrounded by a mighty wall, with gates securely guarded on every side against a crafty and deceitful enemy; Yet a single opening, not well guarded, is left through negligence, the enemy will certainly enter through it. That Pharisee who ascended to the temple to pray; Let us listen to how he provided the city of his soul with strongholds of fasting twice a weak, and of tithing everything he acquires; Yet he left a gap unguarded against the enemy! When he said: “I am not like this tax-collector” (Luke 18: 11-12). There you see, how he left the city of his heart open before the plots of the enemy through commending himself; how he left open, the city that he tried to secure tightly by fasting and giving! Pope Gregory the Great “I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame” (Job 29: 15) God granted him the grace to become eyes for the blind, through giving good counsel to those who are confused; And to become feet to lead the lame on the way of truth, to bring them forth, by love, to the joyful life in the Lord. “I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame” (15). He does not say, ‘I made their sorrows lighter by consoling them for being blind, but “I was eyes to them” I turned every dark place for them into light. St John Chrysostom By so saying, he refers to the fact that he stretched a hand to one, and carried the other along By preaching, the church lightens the way for the blind, who does not know where he goes; while supporting the lame, which is not able to go where he intends to. Sin is 12 mostly committed, either through ignorance (blindness), or through weakness (lameness). Man may not know what he should wish for, or may not be able to do all what he desires. Pope Gregory the Great “I was a father to the poor, and I took up cases I know nothing about” (Job 29: 16) ‘Job’ was not only an advocate of, and generous to the poor, but he also gave them a true fatherhood. Being a king, he did not shy from being also called a “father to the poor”. If he takes up a case, he would not hasten to give a verdict before he listens to all parties concerned, and searches diligently every defense; “He does not answer a matter before he hears it” (Proverbs 18: 13); He always had before his eyes the principle that came in the Holy Book, saying: “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until the other comes and cross examines” (Proverbs 18: 17). Through his compassionate fatherhood, ‘Job’ did not only care for those who ask for his justice against oppression, but also cared for those who do not. He used to find pleasure in searching for the contrite hearts to save; and in taking up cases he was not asked to take, or knew nothing about. Someone may ask, in showing fatherhood, or extending compassion toward others, whether we should also care for their physical needs; when the Lord Christ demands from him whom he calls for ministry, to “let the dead bury their own dead” (Luke 9: 60), and to concentrate his interest on the spiritual aspect alone. To this question, Pope Gregory the Great responds, saying: [Above anything else, those responsible to shine their spiritual ministry, are committed not to disregard the material need of their weak brothers, but should entrust them to others who are ready to take this task]. Yes indeed, blessed is he who does not let the needy go out of his house emptyhanded; who partakes of the afflictions of the weak and the helpless; On the day of judgment, he would get salvation from the Lord, who would consider Himself indebted to him for the sake of the works of mercy he has done1. St. Ambrose “And I took up cases I know nothing about” (16). His role as a helping advocate, is not only set upon giving money, food, or clothing to the poor, But extends to keeping them out of harm’s way. I take interest even in cases that do not concern me; And go after him, whom no one seems to care for. It is as though my work is to search and investigate, whether anyone is ever oppressed! St. John Chrysostom If anyone wishes to know how we could call God “Father”, let him listen to Moses, the excellent teacher, saying: “Is He not your Father who bought you? Has He not made you and established you?” (Deuteronomy 32: 6); And to the prophet Isaiah, saying: “But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You are the Potter; And we are all the work of Your hand” (Isaiah 64: 8). 1Duties of the Clergy 1:11:39. 13 The prophetic gift has more clearly proclaimed that, we call Him a Father according to nature, but by God’s work through adoption. And in order to learn from the divine Holy Book, how we call a ‘father’, not only him who is as such by nature, Let us listen to the apostle Paul, saying: “For you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4: 15). To the Corinthians, Paul, although he was not a father according to the flesh, he was their father through teaching, and according to the Spirit as well. When ‘Job’ says: “I was a father to the poor”, It was not as though he has begotten them all, but because of his care for them1. St. Cyril of Jerusalem “I broke the fangs of the oppressor, and plucked the prey from his teeth” (Job 29: 17) As much as he presented a compassionate fatherhood to the poor, he had no fear of the violent, oppressive and haughty wicked. He does not say that he avenges or kills them, but that he breaks down the forces of evil, and courageously snatches the prey from their fangs; the way David saved the goat from the mouth of the lion. “I broke the fangs of the oppressor”; That is what the apostle means by saying: “…If it is leadership, let him govern with diligence” (Romans 12: 8) “And plucked the prey from his teeth”. Notice the difficulty of the task! Of caring for those who are already devoured and caught If the situation warrants punishing, he punishes; And if it needs supporting, he supports. St. John Chrysostom Look how the church plucks the prey from the fangs of Satan! How she snatched Saul of Tarsus, while still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, on his way to Damascus, carrying letters from the high priest to gather preys to the account of Satan; How he Himself was gathered to the account of Christ, once he got faith (Acts 9: 12). The church often snatches the souls from evil through preaching. By the “fangs” is meant the hidden plots of the devil; And by the “teeth”, the practice of sin in public. About fangs and teeth, the Psalmist says: “Break their teeth in their mouth, O God! Break out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord!” (Psalm 58: 6). Pope Gregory the Great Who can quietly meditate in the greatness of the divine glory during this task?! – “Delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him; Yes the poor and the needy from him who plunders him” (Psalm 35: 10); “Broke the fangs of the oppressor, and plucked the prey from his teeth” (Job 29: 17). Who can meditate in the greatness of happiness; When, while being preoccupied with providing the poor with their every day needs, would have his heart, at the same time, risen above the filth of the earth?! Who among men, even if he is a leading righteous saint, while being shackled by the bonds of this life, would reach that level of goodness; while keeping on his holy meditation?! Would he not, even for a short time be preoccupied with his 1 Catechetical Lectures, 7:8-9. 14 earthly interests, or those of his brothers, like food, clothing, receiving guests, and building or repairing his own dwelling quarter1?! Father Theonas 4- JOB’S HOPE FOR RESUMING HIS PAST HAPPINESS: “Then I said, ‘I shall die in my nest. My days are as numerous as the grains of sand’” (Job 29: 18) ‘Job’ counted himself as though securely dwelling in a nest on the top of a tree, where no storm could shake it; until the moment he delivers his spirit. He amazingly assumed that the days of his life are as numerous as the grains of sand on the sea coast; and did not realize that they are more like the grains of sand that flow inside a sand clock, that would expire in a short time. “And I said that I shall die in my nest, And like a palm tree, my days will multiply2” (18). It is filling to liken the life of the righteous to a palm tree, which although downwards, it is covered by a dry cuticle, rough to touch; yet, upwards, it is marvelously green, and carries sweet fruits. So is the life of the elect; despicable downwards, and beautiful higher up. Pope Gregory the Great “My root is spread out to the waters, and the dew lies all night on my branch” (Job 29: 19) ‘Job’ looked at himself as a tree planted on streams of water; always fruitful, flourishing, and would never wither. And, at the same time, It receives heavenly due as blessing from above. He always believed that he is the object of the pleasure of God who cares for him. “My roots are open to the waters” (19). When the thoughts of the mind secretly extend to receive the waters of the truth. In the Holy Book, the roots refer to the hidden thoughts. We open our roots to the waters, when we spread out the hidden thought of our heart to the inner waters. The Psalmist says that the righteous “shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water” (Psalm 1: 3). “And the dew lies all night on my branch” The grace falling from above, makes us fit to carry good fruits, to be cropped in the world below; As is well expressed by Paul, saying: “By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain”(1 Corinthians 15: 10)… Looking at the harvest growing under the dew, we hear him saying: “His grace toward me was not in vain I labored more abundantly than they all” (1 Corinthians 15: 10). Pope Gregory the Great “My glory was fresh within me and my bow ever new in my hand” (Job 29: 20) With every day passing by, he bears a new thought in the life of righteousness. Having love and compassion, his glory was fresh within him, would never wither, and he would never forsake striving with his whole might for the sake of the oppressed, “My bow was ever new in my hand”. 1 Cassian: Conferences, 23:5:1. 2 التزمت بالنصوص الواردة في كتابات البابا غریغوریوس كما هي. 15 “My glory was ever fresh within me, and my bow ever new in my hand” (20). Because aging or ‘ancientness’ is usually a sign of evil; whereas ‘newness’ is a sign of virtue; Paul says: “since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man” (Colossians 3: 9) As far as our zeal is concerned, when we are among our spiritual adversaries, or among our diverse carnal neighbors, and become submerged in their detestable atmosphere, we get ‘old’ or ‘ancient’, and our ‘newness, which we gained through prayers, reading, good life, serious sufferings, and daily watching, would be polluted; And, we would need to cleanse our life by tears, practice good works, and go through holy meditations, in order to renew our life again. The ‘bow’ in the Holy Scripture, sometimes refers to the plots of the wicked, which “bend their bows to shoot their arrows – bitter words” (Psalm 64: 3); Or refers to the day of judgment, saying: “You have made Your people suffer hard things; You have given us wine that makes us stagger. But for those who fear You, You gave a banner to be unfurled against the bow” (Psalm 60: 3-4). And, other times it refers to good things; as for example to the bow of the church, and the bow of the Lord, from which arrows – fiery words – are shot toward the hearts of men; As is said by the Psalmist: “He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready. He also prepares for Himself instruments of death; He makes His arrows into fiery shafts” (Psalm 7: 12-13). The bow in the hand is the Holy Book at work. He who practices the divine proclamations, that he learned by reason, holds the bow in his hand. “The bow is ever new in the hand”, when what we learn concerning the holy proclamation, is practically practiced. The blessed ‘Job’ informs us about his circumstances, as well as about ours. While he refers to his own sorrows, At the same level, and with the same meaning, He refers to what concerns the holy church and her circumstances. Pope Gregory the Great “Men listened to me and waited, and kept silence for my counsel” (Job 29: 21) His fatherhood to the poor, his wisdom and reverence; going hand in hand with his courageous struggle for the sake of the oppressed; made him the one with the first counsel; Being sure that he is blameless and perfect, Once he talks, everyone keeps silent to listen to him. “Those who heard, waited for my decision; And those who listened kept silent for my counsel” We actually miss such kind of reverence, addressed to the blessed ‘Job’ by those under him The holy church, suffering from the heretics or from the carnalminded, recalls the good old days, when all the believers to whom she talked, used to listen to her in awe! Lamenting the daring of the oppressors, she sadly says: “Men listened to me and waited, and kept silence for my counsel” (21). Pope Gregory the Great “After my words they did not speak again, and my speech settled on them as dew” (Job 29: 22) After he talked, all felt that there is no need for any further research; being known for his diligence, nobody second-guessed him, or added to what he said. Commenting on Job’s words, “After my words, they did not speak again”, Pope Gregory the Great says: [While the believers did not dare to add anything of their own 16 to the words proclaimed by the holy church; the heretics, on the other hand, dared to correct her upright teachings and preaching]. “They waited for me as for the rain. And they opened their mouth wide as for the spring rain” (Job 29: 23) All, like a barren wilderness, were in need of the rain coming from Job’s lips, to turn their wilderness into a fruitful paradise. Being aware of the value of the wisdom coming out of Job’s mouth, they waited for it, and drank it, to bear fruit inside them, as well as to be reflected on their outer behavior. “They waited for me as for the rain, And they opened their mouth wide as for the spring rain” (23). We submit to the words of preaching as for the rain, when we recognize with true humility, the dryness of our hearts, and long to be watered by doses of the holy preaching; according to the words of God on the tongue of the Psalmist: “My soul longs for You like a thirsty land” (Psalm143: 6). The prophet advises us to be watered by the streams of teaching, saying: “Ho, Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters” (Isaiah 55: 1). Pope Gregory the Great “When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my countenance, they did not cast down” (Job 29: 24) If he smiles to someone, it makes him very happy, and would even think he is dreaming; everyone sought his favor and pleasure. Whenever he smiles or laughs, he would spread all around him an atmosphere of love and joy; No body abused his simplicity, nor lessened his reverence toward him; But all looked at the splendor of his countenance with joy and respect. If we interpret that historically, we would understand that that saintly man carried himself before those under him, in such a way that, even in his laughing, he would still be revered. Having been, as he said, a father to the poor, and a comfort to the widows; it would certainly need a great power of discernment, to combine his firmness and seriousness, with delicacy, and compassion. It would be fitting for man to learn how to control his relationship with others in such a way, that while laughing, he should still keep his composure; And when he gets angry, he should remain compassionate; In both his fun and anger, he should not cross the line. It often happens that we destroy those under our care by going too far in executing exaggerated justice that would turn it to injustice. Let us see how Paul used to bear a smile through a grace from up high, even in the midst of his fears and afflictions He was “caught up to the third heaven, into paradise, and heard inexpressible words, which is not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Corinthians12: 2); And yet, he still remained on his fear; saying: “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9: 27). There you see how, when the divine grace smiles upon him, he becomes filled with hope and surety; and still, he does not trust in depending upon himself. Pope Gregory the Great “I chose the way for them, and sat as a chief; so I lived like a king among his troops, like one who comforts mourners” (Job 29: 25) 17 Amiably, yet reverently, he smiled, in order to create a pleasant atmosphere around him; But at the same time, he, as the captain of the ship of their life, does not forsake its helm: “I chose the way for them, and sat as a chief”. His smile did not take away his dignity as a king, and a leader of the battle: Living “likes a king among his troops”, his orders are obeyed: “He says to this one, ‘Go’, and he goes; and to another, ‘Come’, and he comes, and to his servant, ‘Do this’, and he does it” (Matthew 8: 9). Because he does not covet authority, his leadership does not offend anyone. He leads to comfort the mourners by a compassionate heart, and through supporting all in the truth mixed with love. “I chose the way for them, and sat as a head (a chief)” (25). In the hearts of the children of perdition, the works of the body occupy the place of prominence; and those of the soul, the second place. With them, most surely, the Lord Christ does not occupy the foremost, but the last place. The elect on the other hand, above everything else, care for things of eternity; while temporal things are secondary, and occupy a lesser place. Concerning this the voice of Truth says: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6: 33). “Though I sat like a king among his troops; Yet, I comforted the mourners” (25).The Lord sits in the heart as a King; controls the violent emotions of our mind; and in the soul where he dwells, he grants zeal to the slothful, controls the anxious, flares the cool, soothes the flared, softens the cruel, and binds the loose. By such diversity of works, reigning on the minds of the elect, among a variety of virtues, He is as like a king among his troops. He, as well, “comforts the mourners”, through his promise: “Blessed are those who mourn” (Matthew 5: 4); And: “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you” (John 16: 22). The hearts of mourners are comforted as well by the holy church, who guides the souls of the elect; while burdened by the woes of the present life, she cheers them up by the promise of the eternal city. In her services, the holy church continuously mixes together hope with fear in the hearts of believers, to let them get in touch with both the compassion and the justice of the Savior. So she does, lest they depend on His mercy through slothfulness, or lose hope through fear from His justice. At the same time, she brings joy to their hearts, by saying to them: “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12: 32); Warns the daring, saying: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Mark 14: 38); And soothes those in fear, saying: “Rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven” Luke 10: 20). While putting terror in the hearts of those who think high of themselves, saying: “I saw Satan falling like lightening from heaven”; She calms down those terrified, by saying: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10: 27-28). Mixing compassion with firmness are shown in the ark of the testimony, in which both the rod and the Manna are kept together, beside the two tablets of the law. Together 18 with the knowledge of the Holy Book, in the chest of the good ruler, there is the rod of firmness, and also the sweetness of the manna; That led David to say: “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23: 4). Pope Gregory the Great Like the sick who wishes to be cured, consents to every medication his physician prescribes, however bitter it may be, and would never refer any bad intention to the physician; So is the believer who wishes for his spiritual growth. He receives with humility the reproaches and advices of his spiritual guide, without assuming any probability of cruelty or hatred on his part. So, if we, for the sake of the healing of our body, consent to take bitter and repulsive medications, may risk being cut with the surgeon’s knife, or being burned by fire; And would even thank the physicians and surgeons who take care of us; How much more should we do for he sake of the salvation of our souls?! St. Basil the Great Softness with sinners is not a virtue, but weakness; not love or meekness, but slothfulness; and is even cruelty on the souls concerned, that would perish for the lack of proper warning of perdition. St. Augustine A shepherd of sheep should be neither a lion nor a goat. St. John El-Dargy 19 AN INSPIRATION FROM THE BOOK OF ‘JOB’ 29 YOUR CARE FOR ME, O LORD, IS WORTHY OF MY PRAISE When I look back to the past, I see Your hand that kept me safe; If there is any good in me, It would be of the riches of Your grace. Counting me as a lighthouse, You lighted Your lamp over my head. You are the true Light. Your word is a lamp to my feet, and light to my mind. You set me as a lighthouse to carry Your light. To testify to Your care; that through me, I may draw many to You. Having incarnated for my sake, You have blessed my nature in You. In amazement, I stand before Your love; You, who sits together with me in my tent. When I stand among my family, and see You blessing them, My soul covets to see You transfigure in Your love and care among all mankind. By Your care, You grant us an abundance of everything. With Your presence among us, we need nothing more. You cleanse and purify us as though with milk. And flow on us with streams of oil out of the rocks. When I get fulfilled with You, I wish I can minister to everyone. Not to seek what is for me, nor what is for my own dignity, But what is for Your beloved. Your care for the church is exalted. With Your wisdom You granted her, She utters Your words, and bears Your amazing thoughts. She judges among mankind. Not to condemn, but to support and practice compassion. You grant her honor; Not to feel haughty, But to bow down, and wash the feet. In Your care, You even allow full freedom to heretics to oppress Your church. Yet in the midst of oppression, she enjoys heavenly blessing. And in the midst of opposition, she draws many to Your heaven. With Your goodness, You bring out of the eater, something to eat; And out of the evil, You set what is for the edification of many. You stretched Your arms to me, an orphan! And God the Father became a Father to me; My orphanhood turned into an exalted practical sonhood. Grant me to feel compassion toward every orphan; When shall I see all mankind enjoy the practical sonhood to God?! When will the orphaned souls be brought back to their heavenly Father?! To enjoy their blessings on us?! Grant me to get covered by Your righteousness; To give incessantly. 20 Grant me to get adorned by Your crown; namely, by righteousness and mercy. Your righteousness became the subject of my sweetness. Acquiring it, I give compassion to all mankind. Let the world take away my robe. Like what the Egyptian woman did with Joseph. But Do not allow the devil to take away the robe You granted me. He has no right to take it away by force, as long as I treasure it. Grant me Your righteousness to cover up my whole being. As long as I am kept by it, the enemy would find no place nor gap, through which he would enter into me. By Your grace, grant me to become eyes for the blind. Lighten me, to set me light for others. Take away my darkness, So that by You, I can support those who sit in the darkness. Grant me the compassionate spirit of fatherhood, O Father of all mankind. Let me be compassionate toward all, And, as much as possible, let me care for all. Grant me Your grace from up above, like due. Water my life on earth by the water of Your Holy Spirit. So that, like an eagle, my spiritual youth would be renewed. So that my soul would never get old through the spirit of helplessness and weakness. Grant me, O Lord, to walk according to Your Spirit. So that, if I become joyful, and if I laugh, I would still bear the spirit of firmness. And If I become firm, I would still bear the spirit of compassion. So that my joy would integrate with my firmness, And my firmness would integrate with my compassion. Grant me the spirit of pleasantness, to become by You the source of joy. And in my pleasantness, let me not become slothful to work seriously. Grant me the spirit of un-haughty leadership. To lead, not by a spirit of authority, but by that of fatherhood. To support everyone, to bear the spirit of serious leadership.
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