Moralia in Job 1222

31. The saints, while outwardly pressed by straits, are inwardly enlarged. — For the breadth of interior goods is by no means comprehended, unless it be carefully considered. For often poverty humbles them outwardly, the torment of pain narrows them; but nevertheless, amid these things, the inner strength always enlarges itself unto the hope of heavenly things. The apostles were straitened outwardly, when they endured scourgings; but they stood inwardly in great breadth, free men, who had turned these same scourgings into joy for themselves. For it is written: The apostles went from the presence of the council rejoicing, that they were counted worthy to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). This breadth amid straits Paul had found, who said:

But I would have you know, brethren, that the things which have happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the Gospel, so that my bonds are made manifest in all the praetorium (Philippians 1:12). This breadth amid straits David obtained, saying: In tribulation Thou hast enlarged me (Psalm 4:2). Then therefore is this earth, that is, the conscience of the saints, enlarged, when it is outwardly pressed by the adversities of this world. For when it is repelled from the security of the present life, it is thrust inward toward itself, that it may be stretched toward the hope of things above. And when it is not permitted to wander abroad, it is enlarged as though recalled into its own bosom. But we discern what adversities good men endure, but we do not see how greatly they rejoice within.

We come to know the breadth of their mind by considering it now in words, now in works; but nevertheless we are ignorant of how great is the amplitude of that same breadth in them. Let human wisdom therefore hear, and learn itself to be foolish: Hast thou considered the breadth of the earth? As if He said: as I, who alone fully consider the hidden joy of the just girt about with scourges, because I alone mercifully form it. Or certainly for this reason blessed Job is asked whether he has considered the breadth of the earth, that by the example of another's breadth he may be humbled. As if it were openly said to him: Consider those whom the countless evils of the present life cannot straiten, and cease to glory over the state of thy heart amid the stripes. There follows: