How did Justinian dare to take the Holy Scriptures' words about God and use them to speak of himself, Brother Elpidios? Yes, I think it's an outrage, too. If you want to think God punished him for that sin, how can I argue with you, considering the way he ended up?
But he was Emperor of the Romans, remember- God's deputy on earth. And any man who takes pen in hand uses the words of the Bible to help give his own thoughts shape. I think that's what he was doing, nothing worse. I don't think he had blasphemy on his mind.
Something worse? Oh, the massacre. I did try to stop it. You heard what Justinian had to say about that. The Sklavenoi who came back hadn't done anything wrong; they proved as much by coming back. But Justinian wouldn't listen to me. There were times- too many times- when Justinian wouldn't listen to anyone but Justinian.
God was listening? Well, I hope so. I'm an old sinner now, and pretty soon I'll see Him face to face. At least I can hope there's something on the other side of the scales to keep those sins from dragging me down to hell. I can hope. Can't I, Brother?