THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Brothers, you have listened to the psalm as it was being sung; it is concise and somewhat elusive, akin to an assurance that weariness will not grip you. The designation of this psalm is "A Psalm of Confession." Its verses may be few, yet they resonate with profound themes; may they take root in your hearts, preparing a harvest for the Lord. Therefore, let all the earth rejoice in the Lord, as Psalm 99:1 declares. This psalm urges us to rejoice in Him, not addressing a specific place or community, but recognizing that its goodness is spread throughout. Has not the entirety of creation heard this call? Indeed, the earth rejoices in the Lord, and those yet to rejoice will come to do so. As the Church flourished beyond Jerusalem into all nations, as noted in Luke 24:47, the blessings dismantled evil and established righteousness everywhere. The righteous coexist with the wicked in every nation, leading to a mingling of discontent from the wicked and joy from the faithful.
What then shall we find joy in? The title of this psalm compels us to ponder such a question, given that it is called "A Psalm of Confession." To rejoice in confession: what does that entail? This idea finds repetition in another psalm: "Blessed are the people who understand rejoicing." Truly, understanding leads to greater blessings. Thus, let us approach our Lord, who blesses, and seek wisdom; may our understanding of joy guide our exaltation, that we do not merely raise our voices while our hearts remain oblivious. For understanding reflects the disposition of the heart.
Let me reiterate what you are aware of: He who truly rejoices expresses not just words, but a joyful sound that transcends language; it embodies the heart's outpouring of joy, a manifestation of affection that words fail to capture. Those who truly rejoice, much like harvesters and grape gatherers celebrating their bountiful yield, sing and make sounds of joy beyond words, marveling in the richness of the earth.
When do we find joy? When we praise that which is beyond description. We observe creation—land and sea, and everything within—each possessing its essence, its means of existence, a unique order, its end met in death. From the movement of celestial bodies marking time to the cycles of life, there exists an unseen force, a spirit within living things, guiding them towards pleasure, avoiding pain, and ensuring their safety. In humanity, we share a connection to the celestial; not merely in biological senses like sight or hearing, but in the aspect of our intellect which discerns right from wrong, just as sight distinguishes colors.
In contemplating creation, let our souls inquire: Who brought all these things into existence? Who created them? Who, amongst them, created Himself? I have observed both the material world and the spiritual within myself—an inner voice that animates me, allows for speech, and comprehends sensations. Yet, how can I grasp the greater essence of existence? But the promise resides that the human heart will behold God, aided by the purification of the heart as scripture guides. Prepare yourself to see what you cherish before pursuing that vision. For who can genuinely rejoice in the character of God, save for those who are distant from Him?
Therefore, aspire to be like Him in holiness, dedicated in contemplation, as His invisible qualities are made manifest in creation, as stated in Romans 1:20. Contemplate their beauty, seek their Creator. Should you stray from this path, you revert; should you align with it, joy will abound. As you grow in His likeness, approaching Him, the love within you deepens—God is love, and in Him, you begin to grasp the inexpressible joy. Before you truly felt God, you thought you could articulate Him. But upon experiencing His presence, you realize the limitations of language. Will you then remain silent in praise? Will you withhold thanks from Him who revealed Himself to you? When you sought Him, your praise was evident; will you now retreat when He is found? Absolutely not; you shall not be ungrateful. He deserves honor, He merits reverence, He is truly worthy of profound praise. Reflect on your existence, recognize your humble origins as dust; ponder who is worthy to behold Him. Such recognition stems not from human merit but from divine mercy—therefore, praise Him who shows mercy.
Serve the Lord with joy. Every form of bondage is filled with bitterness; those in heavy chains endure both discontent and servitude. Do not fear the servitude of the Lord of Hosts: there, no groaning, disatisfaction, or resentment exists. No one longs for a different master since this servitude is a sweet grace, for we are all redeemed. It is indeed a profound joy, brothers, to serve in this grand household, even in chains. Fear not, you who are bound—acknowledge the Lord; associate your chains with your merits; admit your bonds if you desire them to be transformed into ornaments.
In this reality, you are both slave and free; bound by creation yet liberated through love for the Creator. Serve without resentment; for murmuring does not grant freedom but marks you as an unruly servant. You are the servant of the Lord and the free man of the Lord: do not seek liberation if it leads you away from the One who redeems you.
Some may say they prefer to live apart with a few good people, separated from the multitude. Upon what crowd are these few distinguished? Even if they are virtuous, it is noble to seek a tranquil life away from crowds and cacophony. Yet is this where joy resides? Not yet; there is still the groaning and temptation of anxiety. For even a haven must have an entrance; otherwise, it cannot receive the ships. Alongside openings, tempests may rush in, causing collision among unsuspecting vessels. Where then is security, even in refuge?
One who oversees such communities may profess vigilance against evils. But how thoroughly can you prevent wickedness? Individuals who enter do not fully grasp themselves; how much less can you understand them? Many have aspired to lead a holy life in a shared environment, only to falter in the crucible of reality. Where then lies safety? Not in this life, but solely in the hope of God's promises. When we attain that final domain, we will find complete security—when the gates of the New Jerusalem are locked tight, complete joy will reign. But never presume on any life. Do not declare anyone blessed before their journey's end.
Thus are people deceived—they either abstain from or hastily pursue a better life, while critics, with envy in their hearts, overlook the good and magnify the wrongs that are genuinely there or merely perceived. It follows that when a life that was prior poorly portrayed does allure many by reputation, they may discover truths they did not expect. He who is offended by the wicked withdraws from the good. Brothers, take this lesson to heart and heed it attentive to life’s choices. The Church of God is truly exalted; Christians, and they alone, carry the mantle of greatness; the Catholic Church is lifted high—loving one another, aiding one another; immersed in prayer, fasting, and worship, they praise God in worldwide unity.
Perhaps some hear these praises unaware that the wicked dwell among them; invited, they discover men of ill repute they were unaware of prior. Offended by false believers, they turn away from those who are true. Similarly, those harboring hatred and ill will hastily accuse them—What kind of people are Christians? They call them selfish, greedy. Are those who fill churches during worship not the same ones who crowd the theaters and arenas? They may indulge in drunkenness, greed, and slander. It is true, but they are not the sole inhabitants. The slanderers, in their blindness, speak not of the good, while careless admirers neglect the bad.
Thus is it within communal life, like that in monasteries: dedicated, holy individuals offer daily hymns, prayers, and praises to God. They labor for their sustenance, seek no self-gain, content with what is shared among them. Each person loves, and indulgence flourishes. You commend them, yet perhaps you are uninformed of why some within may not be what they seem. Ships in a harbor must be cautious; unexpected storms may collide their hulls. The false seeker may join, thinking love flourishes, only to become disillusioned at the failings of a few and withdraw, derailing their holy ambition, guilty for vows left unfulfilled. As an outcast, he then reproaches and slanders; recounting grievances he claims drove him away. But the true woes of the wicked must be borne for the sake of the righteous. Scripture warns: Woe to those who lack patience.
Moreover, some vent their disdain to deter new seekers; those who once shared their path find it wanting. What sort of people populate this place, they ask? The envious, the grudging, those unable to tolerate others. "He did this, he did that," they say. But why silence the good? Speak enough of the lawless and say nothing of the grace displayed.
Serve the Lord with joy, as expressed in Psalm 99:2. All who remain steadfast in love and rejoice in hope, heed this call. Serve the Lord, not begrudgingly, but with joy born from love. Approach Him joyfully; it is effortless to express joy outwardly, but let it resonate deep within your conscience. Enter into His presence with praise.
Rest assured, the Lord is God, as declared in Psalm 99:3. All are aware of this truth, yet He speaks to those who do not regard Him as God. Despite your actions—crucifying Him, scourging Him and mocking Him—you must recognize that He is God. He is the creator, not you; all that exists was made through Him. What gratitude is owed for your being, unless you credit the Creator? You are blessed to know you are crafted by the One who will perfect you.
For we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. These sheep unite as one under a gentle Shepherd, who risked all to recover the lost, bearing the one sheep on His shoulders (Luke 15:4-5)—redeemed by His sacrifice.
Enter His gates with confession, as stated in Psalm 99:3. The entrance signifies a beginning; thus, we must commence with confession. This psalm invites us to bring our confessions before the omniscient Lord. Acknowledge that your existence is a gift, and praise the One who bestowed it. May your virtue stem from the One who sustains you amidst your failings.
How then shall we enter? Through acknowledgment of our shortcomings. Let confession be your threshold into His gates. As indicated in another psalm: “Let us begin our journey with confession.” This initiation, termed the gates herein, symbolizes entry to His presence. Remain committed to confession; you always possess something to repent for. It is rare for a human life not to present cause for self-reproach; thus, it is prudent to recognize your imperfection lest divine judgment condemn you. Therefore, when you come into His court, supply your confessions.
When will confession cease? In that eternal rest achieved in likeness to the angels. I claim there will be no sin to confess, yet there will always be cause to praise. You will consistently declare Him as God and yourselves as His creation, embracing Him as your Advocate—that which shelters you. In Him, you shall be concealed. Enter His courts with hymns and acknowledge Him. Confess at the gate, and as you enter, bring praise in the form of songs. Hymns celebrate Him. Blame yourself as you arrive; upon entry, exalt Him.