THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Brethren, you have listened to the brief and somewhat elusive psalm that has been sung, as if I were assuring you that fatigue should not make you afraid. This psalm bears the title "A Psalm of Confession." Though its verses are few, they delve into profound themes; let the seeds of these truths take root in your hearts, preparing the way for the Lord’s harvest.
Thus, let all the earth rejoice in the Lord (Psalm 99:1). This psalm urges us to find joy in the Lord, reaching beyond any specific location or gathering of people; it knows that it sows goodness universally, bringing joy all around. Does the entire earth hear my voice at this moment? Yet, the entire earth has received that voice. The whole creation is already rejoicing in the Lord, and even those who have not yet found joy will come to do so. For the blessings that emerged as the Church spread from Jerusalem to all nations (Luke 24:47) challenge evil and nurture righteousness everywhere. The faithful and the wicked coexist in every land, where discontent arises from the wicked alongside joy from the righteous.
What then is our reason to rejoice? The title of this psalm draws us to consider this, as it is called "A Psalm of Confession." What does it mean to rejoice in confession? This is echoed in another psalm: Blessed are the people who comprehend joy. Surely, the understanding that leads to blessedness speaks of something profound. Therefore, let us implore our Lord, who grants understanding, to enlighten our minds on what to express, so we may grasp the joy that lies within us. Rejoicing mindlessly, without comprehension of our exultation, would yield only a voice that celebrates while our hearts remain detached. True understanding springs forth from the heart.
I will share what you are already familiar with. The one who rejoices expresses not mere words but a profound sound of joy beyond verbal articulation. This harmonious outpouring reflects the heart's affection where words fail. Consider a laborer, perhaps a reaper or a vintner, joyfully celebrating the abundant harvest they have cultivated. Their exultation mingles with unspoken shouts of delight as they sing, embodying the essence of true rejoicing.
When do we rejoice? It is when we offer praise to that which is beyond words. As we contemplate creation—the earth, the sea, and all that dwells within—we recognize each element has its own origins and limits, its time bound to mortality. We see celestial bodies move as if on a set path, marking the cycles of time: months and hours pass as we observe an invisible force, whether called spirit or soul, present in all living beings, drawing them towards pleasure and away from pain. Humanity possesses something in common with angels—not mere physiology or instincts but an ability to understand God, to discern righteousness as the eye distinguishes light from darkness.
As we reflect on creation, we must ask: Who is the creator of all that exists? Who fashioned himself among creation? I have surveyed creation to the best of my ability, examining both the visible and the invisible that animates my being, bestowing voice, movement, and sensation upon me. However, how can I truly comprehend my essence, let alone that which transcends it? Yet the promise stands: the human heart can behold God, and the Scriptures guide us toward purifying our souls so we might see. Who, then, finds pleasure in hearing of God and His name? Only the wicked, who remain distant from Him, are not so inclined.
Therefore, strive to embody godliness and engage in constant contemplation, for His invisible attributes are made manifest through His creation (Romans 1:20). Gaze upon the world, marvel at it, and seek the Maker behind it. If you bear His likeness, you shall find joy; if you draw near to Him, your love shall multiply, for God is love. You will grasp that which previously eluded your understanding. Before experiencing God, you thought you could articulate Him; upon feeling Him, you realize that your heart's affections cannot find expression. When you recognize the inexpressible nature of your encounters with God, will you remain silent? Will you not exalt the One who chose to reveal Himself to you? You praised Him in seeking Him; shall you cease to glorify Him when you find Him? Far from it; such ingratitude would not cross your mind. He is deserving of our honor, reverence, and majestic praise.
Reflect upon your being: recognize your humble origin as dust and ashes; contemplate who deserves to behold the Almighty. Let us not be prideful; instead, recognize, as the Scriptures remind us, the merit lies not within ourselves but solely in the divine mercy of God. Praise Him who extends such mercy.
Serve the Lord with joy. All forms of bondage breed bitterness, and those who serve in grueling chains are both enslaved and unhappy. Fear not the service of the Lord of Hosts; within His embrace, no groaning or discontent exists. No one desires to serve another master, for His yoke is gentle, and we are all redeemed. It is indeed a great blessing, dear friends, to be servants within His grand household, even if still bound. Fear not, constrained servant; give thanks to the Lord by acknowledging your chains, for they shall become decorations...
At once you are both a servant and free; a servant by creation and free by the love of the God who fashioned you, truly free in your love for Him. Serve not out of resentment, for murmuring binds you rather than liberates you; it identifies you as an unworthy servant. You are both the servant and the free man of the Lord. Seek not to escape from the household of Your Deliverer...
He may say, I will dwell apart with a select group of virtuous individuals; why mingle with the masses? Yet, from what throng were these few chosen? If they are indeed good, it bears witness to the noble aspiration to seek fellowship with those who choose solitude from the chaos of life. Is this then the promised joy? Not yet; it is surrounded by groans and the anguish of temptation. For even a port must have an opening; without it, ships cannot come in. The breezes can sweep through the entrance, creating disasters among vessels unprotected by cliffs. Where then is safety if it does not exist even at harbor? It must be granted, however, that individuals in ports fare better than those adrift. Let them cherish their relationships like ships anchored safely; let them rejoice together without strife, maintaining equality and love; when the winds arrive unexpectedly, careful navigation becomes essential.
What might be said by a person overseeing such gatherings, serving those in monastic communities? I will advise caution: I shall allow no harm. And how will you achieve this? Those preparing to enter may remain unaware of their true nature; how much less do you know of them? Many have vowed to lead holy lives where possessions are communally regarded, and hearts unified in God (Acts 4:32), only to be pressed into the crucible and fractured under trial. How then can you claim to know those who may not even know themselves?
In this life, safety is elusive; it dwells solely in the hope of God’s promises. Yet, when we arrive at the culmination of that hope, security shall be ours when the gates of the heavenly Jerusalem are bolted. True rejoicing and joy await us then. Draw no hasty conclusions regarding any way of life; judge no individual blessed until the end of their days.
This quandary leads many astray; some hesitate, while others recklessly pursue a better existence. Those who condemn do so out of envy and twisted motives, choosing to ignore the good while amplifying evil that either exists or is imagined. It follows that if a profession is unjustly glorified and lures many by its notoriety, those who enter may be met with hardships unknown to them beforehand, leaving them disillusioned by the falsehood of some Christians and alienated from true believers.
The Church of God rises exalted; Christians alone are deemed great; the Catholic Church shines, as every believer loves one another, contributing to prayer, fasting, and hymns. Across nations, harmonious reverence for God abounds. Yet, some among us may not realize that the wicked dwell among the faithful; upon being drawn in by praise, they discover a mingling of the good and the bad, leading them to turn away from righteous Christians. Meanwhile, the accusers hastily brandish their judgments: What sort of people are Christians? What kind of people are they? They are selfish, greedy. Are not those who fill churches on holy days the same as those who populate theaters for entertainment? They are drunkards, gluttons, envious, and slanderers. Indeed, they may be, yet they are not the only ones.
That slanderer, lost in blindness, speaks only of the faults and neglects to highlight the good, as the one offering praise may fail to acknowledge the flawed. This trend also manifests in monastic life where revered men dwell, engaged in daily hymns, prayers, and God’s praises; laboring with their hands to support themselves, seeking no self-gain; they share joyously and mercifully in their community.
While you may commend such harmony, the one who enters unaware of the inner dynamics is drawn in with hopes of safety. However, one who seeks behind the veil discovers vices tolerated among a few, perhaps even becomes impatient. Who brought me here? I expected love, yet find sin. Angered at the failures of the few, those who falter in the sacred commitment abandon the noble intention, failing in a vow they never upheld.
Then, as they exit, they turn into critics and accusers, recounting only grievances—sometimes true—that they could not bear. Yet, the honest trials posed by the wicked are to be endured for the fellowship of the virtuous. Scripture admonishes: Woe to those who are faint-hearted (Ecclesiasticus 2:16). Moreover, he spews forth his bitterness, attempting to deter others from pursuing a life of faith, for having entered, he lacked the fortitude to withstand.
What are those people like? Envious, disgruntled, intolerant, covetous; they tell tales of offenses committed. Wicked one, why remain silent about the good? You speak of the intolerable but disregard the tolerance of your own sinful ways...
Serve the Lord with joy (Psalm 99:2). He speaks to everyone steadfast in love and joyful in hope. Serve Him, not with murmuring bitterness but with heartfelt joy. Stand in His presence radiating joy. It is simple to appear joyful outwardly, yet joy must stem from your conscience. Come into His presence with song.
Be assured that the Lord, He is God (Psalm 99:3). Who does not acknowledge this? Yet He speaks of the Lord who was unrecognized as God: Be assured, He is indeed God. You crucified Him, scourged Him, mocked Him, crowned Him with thorns, clothed Him in shame, nailed Him to a cross, jabbed Him with a spear, and posted a guard at His tomb; yet He is God, the One who created us.
He crafted us; we did not create ourselves. Through Him, all was made, and without Him, nothing exists (John 1:3). What is your reason for pride, what for euphoric joy? You were created by another, and that Creator now bears suffering for you. Yet you elevate yourselves, proclaiming as though self-fashioned. Rejoice that He who has made you is also perfecting you.
We are His people, and we are sheep in His pasture. We are one flock with one Shepherd who devotes Himself to finding just one lost sheep. He bears it on His shoulders (Luke 15:4-5), redeemed by His blood. That Shepherd willingly faced death for the sheep He resurrects.
Enter His gates with confession (Psalm 99:3). Confession marks the beginning. This psalm, titled "A Psalm of Confession," invites us to be encouraged. Acknowledge that you weren’t created on your own; give praise to the One who made you. Allow your goodness to derive from the One from whom you once strayed. Enter through His gates with a spirit of confession. Let the flock come through the opening, not left prey to predators. How do you enter? Through confession. Allow your entrance to be marked by acknowledgment of your sinfulness.