Moral Reflections on the Book of Job: Books 6-10 and Book 2. LII.84-LV.92

Book excerpt: "Saint Gregory the Great's Moralia in Job is a classic. It is one of the longest pieces of literature to survive from late antiquity, running to 1,880 pages in the Latin critical edition. It is also a complete commentary on the biblical book of Job: so many biblical commentaries from the patristic and medieval era peter out before reaching the final verse. No doubt this is a testament to Gregory's tenacity and dedication. But the most remarkable thing about the Moralia is its contents: Gregory poured his insight, wisdom and profundity into it. He recapitulates the best of patristic theology and monastic spirituality; transforms these in the light of his own experience as a pastor, ascetic, and contemplative; and bequeaths his resultant vision of the Christian life to the Middle Ages and beyond. It is no exaggeration to say that Christianity as we know it today has been deeply shaped by the Moralia."--