THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Brethren, you have listened to the psalm as it was sung; it is short yet profound, reminiscent of my assurance that you need not fear exhaustion. This psalm is titled "A Psalm of Confession." Although its verses are few, their significance is immense; may the seed of its message flourish in your hearts and be gathered for the Lord's harvest. Therefore, let all the earth rejoice in the Lord, as Psalm 99:1 exhorts us. This psalm beckons all to find joy in the Lord, speaking not to a specific place or congregation but recognizing the goodness that it has sown universally.
Does the entire world hear my voice now? Yet it has indeed heard that call. The whole earth already rejoices in the Lord, and those who have not yet come to this joy will do so. As the blessings of the Church spread from Jerusalem to all nations, as seen in Luke 24:47, sin is overturned and righteousness is established in every land. Discontent from the wicked contrasts with the joy of the righteous, creating a tapestry of groaning and rejoicing throughout creation.
So, what is the cause for our rejoicing? The title of this psalm urges us to pay close attention, particularly as it is called "A Psalm of Confession." What does it mean to rejoice in confession? This idea mirrors another psalm's sentiment: "Blessed are the people who know how to rejoice." Surely, what understanding brings blessing is significant. Thus, may the Lord our God, who blesses humanity, guide my words and your understanding: "Blessed is the people that understands rejoicing." Let us therefore embrace this blessing, aiming to grasp the essence of joy rather than expressing it empty-heartedly. What value is there in exulting at the command of the psalm, "Rejoice in the Lord, all the earth," if our hearts do not partake in this exultation? True understanding arises from the heart.
I wish to share what you already know. One who genuinely rejoices speaks not merely in words but expresses joy through the essence of their being; their assurance and affection transcend the spoken word. Individuals immersed in labor—be it reapers, grape gatherers, or those cultivating the fruits of the earth— experience the richness of their harvest and burst forth in joyful song. Their melodies accompany wordless praises, embodying the spirit of exultation.
When do we indeed rejoice? We do so when we laud that which is beyond words. As we observe creation—earth and sea, and all that inhabit them—we see that each element has its source, its pathway to existence, and a destined end. The cycles of nature and the movements of celestial bodies operate under a hidden force, a unity known as spirit or soul, present in all living beings, guiding them toward joy and away from suffering. Humanity shares a divine connection with the angels, not merely through physical attributes but through the intellect that discerns right from wrong.
In reflecting upon creation to the best of my ability, let your soul ponder these questions: Who is the Creator of all things? Who is the Origin of existence? As I observe the physical world and the spiritual within me—what speaks, animates, and conveys sentiments—I wonder how I might comprehend the self within. If I cannot fully grasp my own being, how can I understand that which transcends me? Yet, the human heart is promised a vision of God, and Scripture invites us to purify our hearts to see Him. It is fitting to seek comprehension of what we love before attempting to perceive it, as only the wicked distance themselves from His name.
Therefore, strive to emulate Him in righteousness and diligently contemplate His works, for even His invisible attributes are evident through creation, as noted in Romans 1:20. Observe the wonders of the world, admire them, and seek their Creator. If you align yourself with His goodness, you will discover joy. As you embody Him and draw near, you will experience an increase in love, for God is love. You may find that the deep feelings you have elude your expression; before experiencing God, you believed yourself capable of encapsulating Him in words, yet you realize the inexpressibility of your experience. When you see that reverence cannot be confined to speech, will you remain silent? Will you not glorify God and offer gratitude to Him who chooses to reveal Himself to you?
You honored Him while seeking; will you hold back now that you have found Him? Absolutely not; you will not be ungrateful. He is deserving of honor, reverence, and great praise. Reflect upon your existence: recognize your humble state as earth and ashes. Consider who is worthy of perceiving such; ponder who you, as a man, are to see God! I do not count your worth but rather God's mercy, so praise Him for His grace.
Serve the Lord with joy. All forms of bondage bring bitterness; those who are subjected to heavy burdens become both enslaved and discontented. Do not fear the servitude of the Lord of Hosts, for there is no groaning, dissatisfaction, or resentment there. No one desires to serve another master, for true servitude under Him is a sweet favor. It is a true blessing, dear brethren, to serve in His great household, even if in chains. Do not shy away in your bondage; confess to the Lord; acknowledge your servitude as a result of your actions, and consider your chains as jewels...
Thus, some may claim, I will withdraw to a few good souls; why should I mingle with the multitude? However, from which crowd did these good souls arise? Even if a handful is virtuous, it is laudable for a man to find solace among those who seek a tranquil life, apart from the noise of society. Yet is that where joy resides? The promised exultation? Not yet, but rather in the turmoil, where many face temptation. For every harbor must have an entrance; otherwise, no vessels could dock. Even in refuge, there are forces that may intrude.
And so, those in the harbor enjoy a position superior to those lost at sea. They must love each other, maintaining harmony and unity amongst themselves. When a sudden gust arises, caution is warranted. A leader in such places, perhaps serving in monastic life, might profess to prevent evil. But how can one avert all malevolence? Those entering do not fully know themselves; how much less can you discern their depths? Many pledge to uphold a life of holiness within these shared quarters, where all possessions are in common, where hearts beat as one in God, as in Acts 4:32. Yet they may falter under pressure, revealing cracks in that ideal.
Where then can refuge be found? In this life, only in the unwavering hope of God's promise. Yet there, when we arrive, complete security awaits; when the gates of Jerusalem are locked, joy shall abound. Do not be overconfident in the value of this life; remember, no one is truly blessed before the end.
Men often deceive themselves, either abandoning the quest for a better life or rushing into it recklessly. Those who criticize do so with a twisted mindset that blinds them to goodness while amplifying imperfections, whether real or imagined. Consequently, when a profession falls short of virtue, as it is uninhibitedly praised, expectations are dashed. The offended turn their backs on what is good, exchanging it for disdain. Brethren, take this teaching to heart and listen so that you may thrive.
The Church of God is exalted: only Christians bear the title of greatness, and Catholics in the Church hold a place of honor. Love abounds among them, each striving to serve one another through prayer, fasting, and hymns; a symphony of praise transcends the world in peaceful concord. Perhaps some hear this message unaware of those who persist in their wickedness; they arrive, drawn in by acclaim, only to witness the vices present in the Church that were not previously disclosed to them. Offended, they flee from true Christians.
Again, those who harbor disdain and slander rush to accuse: What are Christians like? Greedy, self-serving. Are not those who crowd churches during festivals the same as those who congregate at theaters and arenas for leisure? Indeed, they might be, but they are not the sole representatives. The accusers, blinded by their prejudice, lament what's wrong and overlook the good, while the naive admire only the virtue they perceive.
Thus, within monastic life, many great and holy individuals reside, engaging in daily hymns of prayer and praise to God. Their labor is not self-serving; they work diligently to sustain themselves, sharing what is provided by faithful brethren in a spirit of satisfaction and charity. No one claims ownership over what another possesses; all practice love and mutual kindness.
Yet those who reckon themselves wise commend this communal life while remaining ignorant of the internal struggles. Those entering a spiritual refuge may expect safety but find themselves amidst troubling brethren who ought not to have been tolerated. Intolerance leads to impatience; one might voice their discontent, thinking love should prevail within. Discontented by the misdeeds of a few, that individual abandons the holy calling, breaking a vow they never upheld. When departing, they become a critic, registering only grievances (real or otherwise) that they could not withstand. The trials of the wicked must be endured for the sake of good company. As Scripture warns, Woe to those who lose patience (Ecclesiasticus 2:16).
They will speak of others' shortcomings, yet remain silent about kindness. Those who could not abide their faults choose to vocalize only the negative: what say you of the good?
Serve the Lord with joy, as Psalm 99:2 states. He speaks to you, all who persevere in love and find joy in hope. Serve the Lord, not with a bitter spirit but with a heart full of love. Enter His presence with joy, for it may be easy to rejoice outwardly, yet let your heart sing in gratitude.
Be assured: the Lord, He is God, as stated in Psalm 99:3. Who does not recognize that the Lord is God? Yet, this proclamation touches upon the Lord whom some have ignored. You mocked Him, scourged Him, spat upon Him, crowned Him with thorns, clothed Him in shame, crucified Him, pierced Him with nails, and guarded His tomb—yet, He remains God. He created us, not we ourselves. Without Him, nothing exists. As John 1:3 affirms, what cause do you have to be proud? Your very existence is a gift. He who created you also endures your trials.
Although you may elevate yourselves, know that He who fashioned you seeks to make you whole. We are His people, His flock, and what a tender Shepherd we have! He risks leaving the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep, carrying it home on His shoulders (Luke 15:4-5), redeemed by His blood; that Shepherd willingly sacrifices Himself for the flock, who, at His resurrection, brings forth His redeemed.
Enter His gates with confession, as declared in Psalm 99:3. At the gates lies the beginning: establish this by confessing. The psalm titled "A Psalm of Confession" invites you to rejoice. Acknowledge that you were created and praise the One who made you. Allow your good to emerge from Him, from whom you have strayed. Enter His gates recognizing your need for confession.
When entering, let that mark the onset of your journey—a beginning of sincere confession. As echoed in another psalm, "Begin before the Lord with confession." In essence, to "Begin" is to approach the "Gates." Let your entry into His presence entail acknowledgment of your transgressions. Even when you come close, you should still confess. There is always something to admit—how challenging it is to live without faults in this life! Direct the blame upon yourself lest you be judged. Thus, even upon entering His courts, confess your shortcomings.
There will be a day when sin is no longer acknowledged, a rest akin to that of angels. I assert there will be no need for confession then, for we will continually offer praises. You will forever declare that He is God and you are His creation; that He is your Advocate, and you find refuge in Him.