Moralia in Job 1181

(VERSE 21) 'But now they do not see the light.' (68) Through Christ the light shone upon men. — Concerning which light it is also said through the Prophet: 'The people who sat in darkness saw a great light' (Matt. 4:16; Isa. 9:2). But how this same light is seen by men, he intimates when he at once adds: (IBID.) 'Suddenly the air will be gathered into clouds.' For the air is so scattered by its very thinness that it is solidified by no firmness. But clouds are the firmer the more dense they are. What, then, is designated by the air, if not the minds of worldly men, which, given over to the innumerable desires of this life, are dispersed hither and thither in fluid manner like the air?

But the air is gathered into clouds, when the fluid minds are strengthened by the solidity of virtue through the grace of the supernal regard, so that by right sentiment they may gather themselves within the bosom of the heart, and not melt away in vain thoughts. (69) Peter and the other apostles solidified into clouds through grace. — Peter had been air, when, scattered by earthly desires, the passing breeze of the flesh's life kept driving him about at the brief business of fishing (Matt. 4:18). The apostles too had all been air, who had already learned high things through the Law, but did not yet savor firm things through faith (Ibid.).

But suddenly the air was gathered into clouds, because through the regard of supernal grace the airy hearts of the fishermen were turned into the solidity of preachers, so that their weak thoughts, thinking strong things, might grow dense, and after the manner of clouds might catch the waters of knowledge, and might water the earth lying beneath with the words of preaching; and this ministry accomplished, they might hasten back to the secret places of heaven, and, their labor finished, might arrive at eternal rest. Whence it is also well added at once: