GOD’S SILENCE In this chapter, ‘Job’ responds to Eliphaz without referring to his other friends. He probably found it futile to debate with them; Or he probably felt more comfortable with Eliphaz’ counsel despite his questionable intention! He responds to the words uttered by Eliphaz concerning the unseen God (Job 22: 12-14); But, contrary to Eliphaz’ point of view, ‘Job’ does not hide from God with the intention to find pleasure in his sins without punishment; But proclaims his longing to encounter God; And being sure that He is Just, he is positive that He will vindicate him (6-7; 9: 33-35). ‘Job’ was not rebellious against God; But being so much grieved, he longs to confront Him. Yet he stands perplexed, because God refuses to proclaim Himself to him (8-9); He is probably concealing Himself, to deny ‘Job’ the chance to appeal for justice, and to be relieved of his temptation! 1- ‘Job’ presents his case before God 1 – 5 2- Job’s confidence in God’s mercy 6 3- Job’s confidence in his conquest by the cross 7 4- Job’s inability to perceive the secret of God 8 – 9 5- Job’s confidence that God will purify him as though with fire10 – 13 6- ‘Job’ feels anguish 14 – 17 1- ‘JOB’ PRESENTS HIS CASE BEFORE GOD: “Then ‘Job’ answered and said: ‘Today my complaint is bitter; His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning’” (Job 23: 1, 2) Because Job’s complaint was counted by his friends as a rebellion against God, ‘Job’ justifies it, by saying that, the groaning of his heart are not strong enough to express the heavy weight of his tribulations, the pain of his wounds, and the bitterness of his soul. Although man’s sufferings should be healed by the comfort he gets from his friends, Yet in Job’s case, because their comfort carried deception, they were like a poisoned ointment that increased the inflammation of his wounds. Pope Gregory the Great “Faithful friends are life-saving medicine” (Sirach 6: 16). There is no effective healing to alleviate sufferings like a true friend, who comforts you in your afflictions, gives you counsel in your problems, rejoices for your success, and grieves for your tribulations. Whoever finds such friend, would find a treasure. Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount of silver or gold can balance their worth (Sirach 6: 14, 15). Nothing can hold love as fast as partaking of joy and sorrow. Being far from the troubles of your friends, should not keep you from partaking of them. When you see your neighbor afflicted, count it as your own; Partake of his tears, to support his contrite spirit; and partake of his joy, to make it in him deeper and more rooted. By that, it would be of more benefit to you than to him. By your tears, you become more merciful; And by your feeling of joy, you purify yourself of envy and prejudice If you are not able to take evil away from him, your tears would take away 2 half of it; And if you are not able to add to his goods, your joy would add something great to him1. St. John Chrysostom “His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning”. Pope Gregory the Great believes that by this he means that his friends’ hands are heavier than the temptations that caused him to groan. Instead of comforting him to alleviate his groans, their heavy hands made his wounds more painful. About this Ben-Sirach says: “Some companions rejoice in the happiness of a friend, but in time of trouble they are against him” (Sirach 37: 4). “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat” (Job 23: 3) ‘Job’ is so sure of God’s justice, that he longed to stand before His seat to present his case; He is sure that He would judge in his favor, and would never break him down, the way his friends did. As the prophet David says: “I am in great distress. I would rather fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great, than to fall into the hand of man” (2 Samuel 24: 14). ‘Job’ probably feeling that his sins have isolated him from God; and his weaknesses have corrupted his relationship with Him, and wishing to get this relationship back, to enjoy again God’s love; he cries out, saying: “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him”; As the human soul in the Song of songs says: “Have you seen the one I love?” (Song 3: 3). Pope Gregory the Great believes that ‘Job’ longs to stand before God and His ministers, the heavenly hosts; where he would taste love and compassion, instead of what he suffers from his own race. What is the “seat” of God but the angelic Spirits, whom the Holy Book calls “thrones”? Whoever wishes to come to the seat of God, longs to be among them; to rises up in glory by contemplating in eternity; As when he sees by the eyes of faith, the Creator of everything controlling the angelic Spirits, he would then wish to come to His seat. Pope Gregory the Great Once the believer enjoys the fellowship with the heavenly creatures, he would feel that it is not less intimate than his fellowship with his human brethren; if not more loving, merciful, and compassionate. They rejoice in his salvation; And, in the name of humanity, they sing the praises of salvation; as though it is their own. Today, the Lord of glory will be glorified on earth, according to the words of the prophet; and will make us, who dwell on earth, His partners in the heavenly feast; to reveal that He is the Lord of both the heavenly and the earthly creatures; And will be praised by their joint praises. That is why, the heavenly hosts sing proclaiming salvation on earth, saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, the Lord of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth”. And those below, as they partake in harmony of the joyful praises of heaven, cry out, saying: “Hosannah in the highest; Hosannah to the Son of David2”. Father Methodeus “I would lay my case before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments” (Job 23: 4) 1 In Rom. hom. 22. 2 Fr. Methedius: on the Palms, 3. 3 ‘Job’ longs to lay his case before god, being sure that He will give him the chance to defend himself. Here ‘Job’ represents the persecuted church, that although afflicted by the whole world, Yet, in Jesus Christ, and baring His divine righteousness, she can stand before the divine throne with daring and confidence. Pope Gregory the great translates this verse as: “I would let my case well before God; and have my mouth filled with His reproaches”. The believer would rather stand before God to lay his case; that, So that, once his soul discovers itself, and recognizes it more accurately, it would become terrified. There is a great difference between, when the believer is attacked by a fellow man to break him down, and when the Spirit of God exposes him before himself, to rebuke him, and to grant him a true repentance, as a way to enjoy the Kingdom of God. “Therefore, brethren, we have now boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrew 10: 19); and to stand before the throne of the divine grace. In an open talk with God, in which man complains against himself, he would be justified in His sight; according to the words of the Lord Himself: “Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted” (Isaiah 43: 26). In the Septuagint version, it came as: “First proclaim your transgressions, that you may be acquitted” (Isaiah 43: 26 LXX). To realize this, God opens several ways before us: He says: “First proclaim your transgressions, that you may be acquitted” (Isaiah 43: 26 LXX); And He also says on the tongue of His servant David:: “I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’, And You forgive the iniquity of my sin”(Psalm 32: 5). Continuously accusing ourselves, or remembering our sins, would contribute much to reduce their weight1. A way that would grant us this medicine; is to condemn ourselves for our sins; As He says: “First proclaim your transgressions, that you may be acquitted” (Isaiah 43: 26 LXX). Whoever passes through afflictions, and give thanks to God, his sins would be dissolved; That is beside giving alms, which is greater than everything2. St. John Chrysostom “I would know the words which He would answer me, and understand what He would say to me” (Job 23: 5) Job’s friends misunderstood his wonder about the cause of his falling under such successive bitter temptations, as a complaint against God; and even a practical atheism. They also misunderstood his wonder about the secret behind the prosperity of the wicked, as an attack against the divine justice. However, because ‘Job’ is confident that if he enters into a trial before God, His response to his wonderings would be utterly convincing and non-aggressive, he longs to debate with Him, and to completely submit to His ordinances. He is confident that a debate with God would be much easier and sweeter than a debate with men. ‘Job’ is probably saying to his friends: I do not care much for your view about me; But I long to enter into a debate with God; And am preoccupied with His view about me, and with how He would respond to my wonderings. According to the words of the apostle Paul: “With me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact I do not even judge myself He who judges me is the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4: 3-4). 1Homilies on Hohn, homily 7:2. 2Homilies on 2 Corinth., homily 4:7. 4 By this (Corinthians 4: 4), Paul does not mean to say that he is blameless; But he intends to shut up the mouths of those who blame him without reason. God is alone our Judge; As He alone knows what goes on in our hearts1. St. John Chrysostom 2- JOB’S CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S MERCY: “Would He contend with me in the greatness of His power? No, but He would give heed to me” (Job 23: 6) Indeed, who can contend with God; as it is written: “God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1: 25). Debating with Him is better than debating with men, because he gives heed to the complainer, and as a compassionate father, he listens to him. Although firm, yet, together with His firmness, He proclaims His compassionate fatherhood toward the son, wounded by temptations and afflictions. ‘Job’ believes that the Almighty God would never horrify him; And that, even while trying him and debating with him, He would never show off the perfection of His greatness and majesty; But, in order to make the debate with man possible, He would rather condescend and show off as much as he would be able to endure; He would never be as violent as men, as unlike them, He is longsuffering, would listen to whoever cries out to Him; would strengthen him, would encourage him, and would enter with him into a contention; But not to prevail over him, but to grant him conquest. As it was said about our father Jacob: “In his strength he struggled with God. Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, And there He spoke to us” (Hosea 12: 3-4). Indeed, whoever tastes the true intimacy with God, would never stop encountering Him; As he realizes the extent of His compassion, longsuffering, and His condescension for the sake of man, His beloved creature; He would say together with ‘Job’: “Would He contend with me in the greatness of His power? No, But He would give heed to me” (Job 23: 6). They assumed that my light burden is very heavy; But I bowed down to them, forsaking My heavenly kingdom, in order to eat together with them. I took over their human form; and even gave them my body to eat; to them I became food and a partner on their dining table2. St. Jerome 3- JOB’S CONFIDENCE IN HIS CONQUEST BY THE CROSS: “There, an upright person could reason with Him, and I should be acquitted forever by my Judge” (Job 23: 7) ‘Job’ believes that the divine verdict would be uprightly issued; And that by resorting to His divine Judge, He will acquit him on an everlasting level. By resorting to Him, we would be saved from the eternal judgment; as according to St. Augustine, ‘we escape from the divine judgment by resorting to God Himself’’. Pope Gregory the Great translates this verse as: “Let Him does justice against me; my trial would then come to a conquest’. In this scream, he hears the church seeking from God, the Word, to realize justice by His cross, to descend to her and redeem her; and then, entering into a trial, she would enjoy a conquest on an eternal level. She seeks the coming of the Word to reproach her; as through His 1Homilies on John, homily 9:3. 2 Commentary on Hosea, 3:11. PG 25:962. 5 incarnation and reproach, the gates of the divine grace would open, and she would be justified before the divine throne. “Let Him do justice against me; so that my trial would then come to a conquest1” To reproach my ways, Let Him send the Son incarnate Because, if the onlybegotten Son of God remained unseen in the greatness of His Deity (namely, did not incarnate), and did not take anything of our weakness (our humanity); How then, would the weak humans find a way to enjoy the divine grace? As the weight of His greatness – if taken into consideration – would actually be against us and not to help us. But the powerful, who is above all, came as though weak among us. By becoming equivalent to us, through taking our weakness, He lifts us up to His strength. We would not be able to realize the exaltation of his divine nature – as we are not qualified for that -- But He bowed down to man through His manhood, so that we come to be, as though ascending to Him, He who has come down. He is raised to raise us. Pope Gregory the Great Escape to God Himself; if you intend to escape from Him. Escape by confessing, and not by hiding. Say to Him: ‘You are my refuge’. Let love, which alone, gives life, grow inside you2. How joyful is the face of the Lord; Once seen by man, he would not find his joy in anything else3. St. Augustine 4- ‘JOB’ DOES NOT PERCEIVE THE SECRET OF GOD: “If I go forward, He is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive Him” “On the left He hides, and I cannot behold Him; I turn to the right, and I cannot see Him” (Job 23: 9) Here ‘Job’ expresses the extent of his perplexity; He is as though searching for God, and not finding Him in the east, or feeling Him in the west. Eliphaz previously demanded from him to recognize God (Job 22: 12); Here ‘Job’ tells him that this is the desire of his heart, as he longs to appear before Him. ‘Job’ undoubtedly believes that God is present everywhere; But here, he complains that he is unable to concentrate his thoughts in God, and in His wisdom, while they are chasing him with their useless and disturbing arguments. Despite his belief in the presence of God, yet there is some sort of mist that covers his insight, and keeps him from recognizing the cause of his troubles, allowed by God; He is not aware of a particular sin he has committed, to repent it; Is not able to apprehend God’s aim for allowing him to go through all those temptations; And does not know, what would be the end of those tribulations; Will God save him from them? When? And how would that be realized? Pope Gregory the Great presents to us more than one interpretation of the east, the west, the north (the left), and the south (the right) in this verse. 1- If God is everywhere; and He is indivisible; fills all; sees man, and is aware of everything that go on in his depths; Yet could not be seen, nor recognized by the senses of man. He is awesome, although He is unseen!. 1التزمت بالنصوص الواردة في كتابات البابا غریغوریوس كما هي. 2 Robert Llewelyn, The Joy of the Saints, Spiritual Readings throughout the Year, Springfield, Illinois, 1989, p. 28. 3 Sermon 170:9. 6 2- If we look east; namely, if we contemplate in His greatness, as He shines from the east; we cannot conceive His nature by our mortal mind. And if we look west; Namely, if the insight of our heart retreats because of the greatness of His splendor, We would not be able to conceive Him as well. If we turn left; namely, fall into sins, we shall not conceive Him; And if we turn right; namely, fall under the ‘right-hand strikes’ of pride, hypocrisy,, and self-righteousness, we shall not behold Him. If I go east, He is not seen; And if I go west, I would not conceive Him; If I go left (north) or right (south), I cannot see Him (8-9). The Creator of everything is indivisible, and is everywhere The inapprehensible Spirit includes everything in Him; He who, at the same time ‘fills and includes’. He is as though saying: He who sees me, I am not able to see, and who sees me; He who elaborately beholds me, I cannot behold! … Our Creator who is, everywhere, is wholly perfect, and can discern everything, could not be discerned by our senses…. He is above anything, remaining unseen, and is awesome; The destiny and time of our affairs are not known. There is another concept to understand these words: Even if we go east through contemplating in His greatness; He still “could not be seen” in his nature by our mortal mind. And if we go west, “He would not be conceived”. We go west when the eye of the heart lifted up to God, retreats because of His great splendor. Going left (north) is when man submits to the pleasures of his sins; and would accordingly, be unable to conceive God. And going right (south), is when man rises up through virtuous achievements, and selfishly finds pleasure in his good works, when the eye of his heart goes down through vain pride. Hence. It is well said: “You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (Deuteronomy 17: 11). Pope Gregory the Great Although you cannot behold God, Yet, It is your right to see Him through your love for your neighbor; through your looking at the source of this love, you can behold God as much as you can1. St. Augustine 5- JOB’S CONFIDENCE THAT GOD WILL PURIFY HIM AS THOUGH WITH FIRE: “But He knows the Way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23: 10) Having proclaimed the exalted perfection of God, who fulfills everyone, who is aware of everything, and who searches the depths; Whom man cannot see, whether he goes east, west, north, or south; cannot conceive His divine secrets, or His plan for everyone; Yet he knows one thing for sure: that, in God’s sight, he is counted as precious gold, that needs to be purified by the fire of temptations, which would increase its purity and splendor. Despite what ‘Job’ is going through, of feeling intense perplexity, and inability to conceive what is behind the events in God’s mind; Yet he is sure that God knows His way; That He will eventually bring him out of his temptation, as pure as gold purified by fire; And that his temptation is destined for testing his faith, or to justify him (1 Peter 1: 7). 1 Robert Llewelyn, The Joy of the Saints, Spiritual Readings throughout the Year, Springfield, Illinois, 1989, p. 78. 7 “He will test me like gold that made to pass through fire” (10). In the furnace, the nature of gold increase in splendor, while losing the impurities. The same way the souls of the righteous are tested by the fire of temptation, time after another, to rid them of their faults, and to add to their virtues. It is not in pride, that ‘Job’ likens himself to gold tested by fire He considers himself being purified by the sufferings of the temptation; even though there may be nothing in him to be purified. Pope Gregory the Great When God intends to make man victorious and great, He first delivers him to temptations, to be tested, before showing his beauty to the world by the good things He does with him. When God intended for Joseph to become a great ruler in Egypt He let him first, he who committed no evil, be caught by his brothers, insulted, ridiculed, stripped of his clothes, cast in a pit, deprived of hope, and sold to Ishmaelite merchants, to become a humble slave. Whoever considers those circumstances as difficult would never imagine that they all were destined to be for Joseph’s benefit. But God who knew beforehand what he intended to do for him, did not show compassion on him while being under all those evils; but let him furthermore unjustly cast into jail. After all that, his beauty shone like the sun, and his truth appeared like gold. His evil circumstances scattered like smoke, he rode the chariot like a king, and got the greatness, for the sake of which God first let him get humiliated then to be lifted up1. St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi As the goldsmith cast a piece of gold into the furnace, and leave it there to get purified by the fire for a certain time; The same way, God allows for the human soul, to get great benefit, to be tested for a certain time by the fire of temptations, until they are purified. I wish, brethren, we do not get disturbed or fall into despair when temptations dwell upon us. Because, if the goldsmith knows for sure the exact time he should leave the gold in the furnace, then takes it out before it gets overheated, corrupt, and burnt out.; How much more would the Almighty God know. When He sees that we are fully purified, He would release us from our temptations, before we are cast away and driven out because of our increasing wickedness. When we face something we do not expect, we should not be disturbed or collapse, but should accept it from God, who knows exactly what He is doing. He is intentionally testing our hearts for our own benefit; And knows exactly when to take us out of the furnace of temptation; We should therefore, perpetually submit to Him, continually endure everything with pleasure and thanksgiving, whether when He grants us blessings, or puts us under chastisements, which are likewise, a kind of blessings. When the physician allows us to relax and have a nice time in beautiful gardens and joyful parks; and when he finds it proper to use on us the scalpel and knife; In either case he is still the physician! And when the father treats his son with compassion, and chooses at times to chasten and punish him; He is still the father! 1الرسالة الثانیة والثلاثون ا رجع ترجمة الدكتور بهنام سوني. 8 Knowing for sure that God is more compassionate than all physicians and fathers, we should never question his dealings, or ask him for an account on them; What he finds proper, let Him do it. Whether he releases us of the temptation, or chooses for us to get more of it; Because in either ways, His intention is to bring us back to well-being, and to grant us fellowship with Him; He is aware of our different needs, of what suits everyone of us, and of how, and in what way, we are to be saved. Let us then follow Him wherever He commands us; and let us not think much, about whether He chooses for us an easy way, or a difficult rough one1. St. John Chrysostom The way gold is tested by fire to become of benefit, You, as well, who live in this world, are tested with it. You are destined to pass through fire to get purified. And the way impurities are cast away from gold, every grief and temptation; will likewise be cast away from you, to become pure2. Hermas “My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His ways and not turned aside” (Job 23: 11) Despite Job’s confession that he is in need of getting rid of all impurities from him; he goes back to proclaim that he has put in his heart to walk according to God’s purposes and plans; to walk along the divine way step by step; and he does not intend to turn aside from it right or left. On one aspect, ‘Job’ refuses his friends’ claim, that the temptations he is going through, are the fruit of his wickedness, hypocrisy, and his hidden opposition against God; But believes that they are like a crucible to purify his depths, in order to end up purified by fire. On another aspect, he proclaims that he walks, and will always walk, along the way of the Lord; keeps, and will always keep His commandments, and has never turned aside from them to the right or to the left. “My foot is committed to His steps”. The works of God that we see are a kind of his footsteps; By these works, the good are separated from the bad, and the righteous from the wicked; Each to be put in his proper place The divine ‘Truth’ commands us to follow the footsteps of His Father; saying: “Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5: 44, 45); And Peter says about these steps: “For this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 1: 21). “I have kept His ways, and not turned aside”. That is what always preoccupies the righteous, to be committed to examine their behavior on the way of truth, day after day; For them it is counted as a law, not to turn aside from their straightforward way. Pope Gregory the Great To teach you how to suffer, the Lord Christ Himself suffered. Words are not enough, unless the practical example is added to them. What a valuable teaching He presents to us, brothers and sisters! While He was hanged on the cross, and the Jews were crying out, He healed them3. St. Augustine . 1یسوع والمفلوجان للقدِّیس ذهبي الفم، ترجمة القمص تادرس ملطي، 1966 م، ص 35 2 The Shepherd, visions 3:1. 3 Sermons, 283:6. 9 “I have not departed from the commandments of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth, more than my daily bread” (Job 23: 12) ‘Job’ proclaims that he never turned back from the commandment that came out of the divine lips, but always went ahead according to them; and would always do to reach his ultimate goal. He held fast to those commandments, counting them better for him than his daily bread; He could not live without them, being the food and drink of his soul. ‘Job’ considers the divine commandment as coming out of God’s lips, the words of His mouth; not just as commands to which he should be committed to guide his behavior; but a sweet and precious gift coming out of that loving mouth! That is why it does not represent a burden from which he wishes to escape; he does not intend to depart from it, and will always long to treasure in his depths; according to the words of the Psalmist: “I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on your percepts and contemplate your ways. I will delight myself in your statutes; I will not forget your words…. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of shekels of gold and silver Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day… Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119: 14-16, 72, 97, 105, 111, 172). If ‘Job’ has set for himself a personal resolution, which is to walk according to what befits him as man, Yet, what is more precious than that resolution, is the divine commandment, being the treasure he acquires and keeps in his heart. “I hide the words of His lips in the bosom of my heart”. We hide the words of God in the bosom of our hearts, when we listen to His commandments, not in a haphazard way, but practically consummate them. About the Virgin Mother St. Mary, it is written: “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2: 19). Pope Gregory the Great Indeed, whoever gets material riches, would rejoice for having, “all the riches”, and not just a part of them; Namely, having all the (cash) and the steady (land and buildings) resources. So it is with him who intends to get spiritual riches, He would rejoice as well, when he gets “all the riches”, because of his progress in keeping God’s testimonies, and in practicing all the virtues. He would be as though saying: “Let Your testimonies enrich me, and become my joy and riches”. The scholar Origen As those who, while dwelling here on earth, have their citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3: 20), consider themselves as foreigners, and are perpetually preoccupied with the heavenly things; They have to keep on praying that the commandments of God would not be hidden from them; as by them they would be able to consummate their temporary journey on earth; through their love of God, with whom they will eternally dwell, and through their love for their neighbor, that he also may join them where they are heading, namely, to heaven1. St. Augustine “But He stands alone and who can dissuade Him? What He desires, that He does” (Job 23: 13) 1On Ps. 119. 10 Despite Job’s feeling of his human weakness; he at the same time, cannot disregard his own faithfulness and seriousness in keeping the commandments of God, and his exalted appreciation of them. Yet he also wishes that he could enter into a debate with God, to conceive His divine purposes behind what He allowed to dwell upon him. But ‘Job’ knows for sure his limitations as a weak creature: that he cannot admonish God to change His plan; cannot expect to be able to oppose Him; that what God, as the Almighty and wise Father, desires would be for the good, and is capable of doing it. Yet in his debate, ‘Job’ hopes that God would open up his insight, to float in His exalted love; even though the afflictions are still chasing him on all sides; hopes that his faith and love would increase, and that he would exalt above the words. Although God is the absolute Truth; And by repentance He may forgive, Yet His counsel, will and purposes, are unchangeable; And No one shares it with Him, “From eternity, all His works are known to Him”. He is Almighty; “What He desires, that He does”. He is not like men who desire many things they do not do, cannot do, or do not dare to do; But He is wholly capable, “Whatever the Lord pleases He does” (Psalm 135: 6). “If He ordains, who can oppose Him? Whatever He desire, He consummates”. Knowledge is kept within the limits of nature in every way; but faith may make its journey above nature. He who follows faith would instantly become free, capable of self-control, and to submit all the natures of creation; as though he is a god; By faith, authority would be realized to him, who was created in the image of God. He says: “You do as you desire, everything is at your disposal”. Faith is often capable to bring things into existence from naught1! St. (Mar) Ephram, the Syrian Commenting on the phrase: “He stands alone” (13), as though there is no one else but Him; Pope Gregory the Great says that it is fitting to discern between the Creator who “stands alone”, the unchangeable, and the creatures that were brought from naught, and could never “stand alone”. “He stands alone, And no one can change His mind” There are a multitude of things in nature; So why is it said on the tongue of ‘Job’: “He stands alone?” . There is difference between what exists now, and who existed from the beginning; between what submits to change, and who is independent of change. All these things are there, yet they could not “stand alone”, or even exist, except by the hand of Him who ordains them; All things are set in Him who has created them; For their life they are not indebted to themselves; And those who move, their movement is not according to their whims, But it is God who moves them; He who gives life to some, while keeping the other lifeless things by Himself, setting them in an amazing way, as creations of lower nature. Everything is created from naught, and their existence will end up to naught, unless they are held up by Him who created things by the hand of His ordinance. Therefore everything created, cannot stand by themselves, nor can move; except through submission to their Creator. Anyway, Even if there is an opposition against us from outside (namely, afflictions); It is befitting for us to apprehend that God works inside us. 1 The Ascetical homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian, homily 52. 11 We should look at God as He who “stands alone” from the beginning; who said to Moses: “I am who I am”, and said further: ‘Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3: 14). Thus, when we are punished by things we see, we are committed to fear Him whom we cannot see. Concerning the inability to change Him, he directly added: “No one can change His mind”. As He by nature is unchangeable, His will is unchangeable as well; As no man has the authority to oppose His hidden ordinances It is written: “He issues laws that could not be changed”; And, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Mark 13: 31); And also: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways’, says the Lord” (Isaiah 55: 8). Even in things that may look as though happening against His will, and not according to it; We should take into consideration that what He does not order, He sometimes allows, to serve what He orders, and to realize them in a more sure way. Although the will of the adversary angel (Satan) is wicked, Yet God, in His amazing way, uses his deceptive ways for the benefit of the righteous, which are purified through their strife. That is why “everything that God desires, He does”, using what seems adversary to His will, to realize His will. Pope Gregory the Great 6- ‘JOB’ FEELS ANGUISH: “For He will perform what He appoints for me; and many such things are in His mind” (Job 23: 14) When ‘Job’ looks toward the One and only, the self-existing, Mighty God, as the source of his life and the Power that moves everything with His exalted care; He comes to believe that everything happens for his benefit and goodness. Yet, despite this belief, he cannot help having his naturally weak human nature, apprehensive toward the tribulations and sufferings that would dwell upon him; which is probably not out of fear , but of a holy awe of the Lord God. In awe he stands before the exalted greatness of God; although he finds pleasure in the divine presence, Yet, not in slothfulness, but in respect and honor for God. But You may well, say to the righteous ‘Job’: Why are you still terrified of the sorrows, amid all those calamities and cruel strikes, without count, that have come upon you, and by which you have already been disturbed? To that, the righteous man would answer, saying: “For He will perform what He appoints for me; and many such things are (still) in His mind” (14); He feels insecure and apprehensive because of what could still dwell upon him. Pope Gregory the Great “Therefore I am terrified at His presence; When I consider this, I am afraid of Him” (Job 23: 15) Although ‘Job’ said before that he is not terrified before God, because of the daring he has toward Him; Here he says, that when he meditates in God’s care and works, fear comes upon him; yet out of honor and respect toward Him; like that of a son toward his father. Or probably it is his inner struggle that terrifies him; In his frustration caused by the vain accusations of his friends, ‘Job’ feels as though saying together with the prophet David: “I would rather fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great, than to fall into those of man” (2 Samuel 24: 14). Yet, at the same time, he still feels that he is not worthy of standing before God, or debating with Him. 12 “That is why I am disturbed of His presence; and I am afraid of Him1” (15). He feels utterly perplexed because he puts before his eyes the awe of His majesty and the splendor of His righteousness; and considers himself unworthy of answering if he is firmly tried. Knowing how ‘Job’, dedicated himself to offer God various burnt offerings, and delivered works of generous giving to fulfill the needs of the poor; and how he showed humility before those submitted to him, and compassion toward his opponents; We, miserable creation and sinners, wonder what to say, when we see how all those calamities, beyond count, have dwelt upon such a righteous man! Pope Gregory the Great Being aware that there is nothing superior to the fear of God; which prevails over everything; and by which everyone tries to avoid evil; Let us acquire such fear, keep away from what may offend and grieve God, do what pleases Him, and know that whatever we do is known to Him; and nothing is hidden before Him. St. Macaios the Great “For God made my heart weak, and the Almighty terrifies me” (Job 23: 16) Despite the daring that ‘Job’ has, even to enter into a trial before God, yet, apprehending God’s greatness and majesty, he abides to the holy fear. The holy love drives away the fear of slaves, and brings over the holy fear, that clothes the righteous before the Holy One. Thus we should not marvel to see such daring of ‘Job’ before God, and at the same time, see his weakness of heart and terror before the Almighty! That is how the children of God behave, those who covet together with the apostle Paul to set forth and be with Christ, who cry out saying: “Come O Lord Jesus” ; And at the same time, recalling the day of judgment, they cry over their sins. “For God made my heart weak, And the Almighty terrifies me” It is said that the heart of the righteous, because of the divine gifts, become weak, being apprehensive of the judgment to come from the Most High; “Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity” (Proverbs 28: 14). The hearts of the righteous are not secure, but disturbed, when they consider that great weight of the coming Judgment. Yet amid the chastisements of fear, when they remember the gifts they have got, they would rejoice, their hope would become supported, and their fear would calm down. Pope Gregory the Great In case you have in mind, God’s judgment for the whole world, every event would teach you the knowledge of God. St. Mark the hermit If you always remember the hour of your exit from this world, and never forget the eternal judgment, there would be no sins in your soul. There are five works to please God, and to help bring forth His gifts: a- The pure prayer b- Praise by psalms c- Reading the holy books d- Remembering your sins, death, and the fearful judgment. e- Labor of the hands. 1التزمت بالنصوص الواردة في كتابات البابا غریغوریوس كما هي. 13 St. (Mar) Oghris of Pontes “Yet I would not perish in the darkness, and thick darkness would not cover my face” (Job 23: 17) Again, Although the believer’s heart would grow weak, and become filled with awe, Yet he knows that, he would not perish, while he is in the riches of God’s grace; And the darkness would not be able to cover his face, as long as puts his hand in that of God. By faith, the believer sees the gates of heaven open before him; And while he stands, he, according to the words of the apostle Paul, takes heed lest he would fall (1 Corinthians 10: 12). “But I shall not perish because of the darkness that threatens me; It will not cover my face” The tribulations that dwell on the righteous, would either take away the evils that they have practiced, or would motivate them to avoid the ones that would probably come. As to the righteous ‘Job’, having fallen under the rod, he was not purified from sins he has committed, nor was made immune from those threatening him, but his goodness got doubled under the stroke, to say; “I shall not perish because of the darkness that threatens me; It will not cover my face”. Pope Gregory the Great 14 AN INSPIRATION FROM THE BOOK OF ‘JOB’ 23 YOUR SILENCE AMID MY SUFFERINGS IS SWEETER THAN MEN’ S CONDOLENCES Amid the bitterness of my soul, I complained. My sufferings are too heavy for moans or sighs. Those who see me, may count me as though protesting against You. I trust in Your love, and in Your righteousness. I wish I can encounter You. As You alone can search my heart. Why are You keeping silent, O the Philanthropic? Bring me to trial; But according to Your mercy. I want to debate with You. As I know that, by Your cross, I shall be forever saved. Why are You keeping silent, O the amazing in Your love? I want to flee from the divine Justice; by resorting to Your love. I want to confess my sins to You; As no one will have Your compassion on my weakness. If I look toward the east, I see Your greatness; And keep silent before Your splendor. And if I looked toward the west, while retreating before You; My comprehension will get hardened up. If I walk toward the left, where sins are; I shall not be able to reach You. And if I walk toward the right, where the strokes of self-righteousness are; I shall be deprived of beholding You. Tell me, How can I behold You and talk to You? You are my only refuge. You are everywhere; You are in my depths. Yet, in my foolishness, I did not know how to encounter You. You see me, and search my depths. Yet, because of my blindness, I cannot see You, nor apprehend Your secrets. Your plan for me is exalted. You want me like gold purified with fire free of impurities; You allow for me to pass through temptations. Despite Your silence, You incessantly work in me; Amid my bitter screams, You watch my soul while being purified as though with fire. You watch me coming in glories, that are the work of Your grace in me. In Your silence, You may seem as though You do not care for my bitter screams. But, as a wise Potter, You know when to bring me out of the furnace of temptations. You watch while I, the mud, transform into a vessel for honor! You would never leave me in the fire until I burn. And would not bring me out before the proper time, lest I get corrupted. I see You as the heavenly Physician, silently holding the scalpel. 15 To cut through my flesh, to remove my soars. I see You as the Father, who although silent, yet His eyes are on his beloved son. Now, I shall walk according to Your inapprehensible purposes; To keep Your ways, by Your grace. You promised to make me a son to the heavenly Father. Amid the waves of Your love, I know that You are alone the Almighty. Who can apprehend the depths of Your wisdom? Work in me, even if my soul murmurs! As everything You do is surely for my edification. As a weak creation, I submit to my Almighty Creator. Although I sometimes get disturbed; Your amazing majesty captivates my whole being. In my depths, You have nailed Your fear. It is my stronghold and my refuge against the wars of the adversary. In it, I take refuge, And by it I walk, as is befitting to a son of Yours. By it, I become filled with hope; Yet with the spirit of submission and piety. By it, when I remember the day of Your coming; I cry out: My heart is ready O Lord; My heart is ready! Come, O Lord Jesus! You are the Judge; And You are the Comforter, and the Intercessor on my behalf.
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