THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
You have listened to the psalm, dear friends, while it was being sung: it is concise and somewhat elusive: as if I had offered you a promise that you need not fear exhaustion. The title of this psalm is ‘A Psalm of Confession.’ While the verses are few, they touch upon profound themes; may the seeds of these words take root in your hearts, and may the storehouse be ready for the harvest from the Lord. Therefore, rejoice in the Lord, all the earth, as stated in Psalm 99:1. This psalm encourages us to delight in the Lord. It does not merely call upon one specific part of the earth or a single gathering of people; instead, it recognizes that it brings forth good things universally, instilling joy across the globe. Does the entire earth hear my voice at this moment? Yet indeed, the whole earth has heard this message. The entire world is already rejoicing in the Lord, and those yet to find joy will also do so. For the blessings that spread throughout the world began when the Church moved from Jerusalem to all nations, as in Luke 24:47; everywhere it overcomes wickedness, nurturing righteousness in every land. Each country is awash with the discontented murmurs of the unrighteous and the jubilant praises of the godly. What, then, is the cause for our joy? The title of this Psalm invites us to heed this message, for it is labeled ‘A Psalm of Confession.’ What does it mean to rejoice in acknowledgment? This sentiment is echoed in another psalm: Blessed are the people who know how to rejoice. Surely, that which understanding brings joy to is something profound. Therefore, let us seek from the Lord our God, who imparts blessings to humanity, to enlighten our speech and your understanding of His words: Blessed is the people that understands rejoicing. Let us come to this blessing and truly grasp the essence of celebrating, not simply voicing joy without comprehension. What value is there in shouting ‘Rejoice in the Lord, all the earth,’ if we fail to grasp the meaning of our exultation, rendering it mere sound without heartfelt conviction? For understanding is the voice of the heart.
I will express a truth that you already know. One who rejoices does not articulate merely spoken words, but rather expresses a certain joyful sound beyond words; it is the heart's outpouring in delight, conveying affection as best as possible without being bound by sensory experience. A person rejoicing in their own elation, may momentarily launch into expressions that defy verbal understanding, bursting forth with inexpressible joy, so it may seem they are merely celebrating the sound of their own voice, but rather they are overwhelmed with joy that transcends mere words. Those who are most inclined to rejoice are often laborers in the fields—those harvesting grain, gathering grapes, or collecting the fruits of the earth. They revel in the bountiful harvest and the richness of the soil, letting their songs burst forth, mingling heartfelt shouts of joy amidst their words.
When do we truly rejoice? When we offer praise that transcends articulation. For we observe the entirety of creation, the earth and the sea, and all that dwells within them: we see each has their own source, lifecycle, and end—all running their course in succession, with stars appearing to travel across the sky, completing their yearly journey; we see months and hours measured out; and within these observations, there lies some unseen element, a principle of unity, often identified as spirit or soul, present in all living beings, driving them toward pleasure, away from pain, and ensuring their own safety. Humanity shares a connection with the angels of God—not merely with animals, but with that aspect of our being capable of understanding God, which is uniquely tied to our reasoning, enabling us to discern righteousness from wrongdoing, just as our eyesight distinguishes colors. In contemplating creation, let us ask ourselves: Who is the Creator of all that exists? Who gave rise to all things? Who among them created Himself? I have examined creation to the best of my ability, discerning both the physical creation of heaven and earth and the spiritual aspect within myself, which articulates, animates my body, expresses through my voice, and perceives sensations. When can I truly grasp myself? If I find it difficult to understand myself, how can I comprehend that which surpasses my understanding? Yet humanity is promised the vision of God, and Scripture provides guidance for the purification of our hearts. Strive to see what you love before you can attain the vision. For who wouldn’t be pleased to hear of God and His name, save for the wicked among us who are distanced from Him?
Therefore, strive to emulate Him in holiness, and be diligent in your reflections; His invisible attributes are evident to all, being perceived through creation, as Romans 1:20 expresses. Observe His creations, admire them, and seek the Creator. If you are not aligned with Him, you will regress; if you are, you will rejoice. As you grow closer to Him, you will feel God’s presence within you, and as love—since God is love—grows in you, you will grasp something you have long sought to articulate but cannot fully express. Before experiencing God, you believed you could describe Him; but once you feel Him, you understand that what you perceive is beyond words. Will you remain silent when you realize that such profound feelings cannot be articulated? Will you refrain from praising God and offering thanks to Him who wished to make Himself known to you? You sang His praises in seeking Him; will you go silent upon finding Him? Certainly not; you will not be ungrateful. He deserves honor, He is worthy of reverence, He is deserving of great adulation. Reflect upon your own state; see who you are: mere dust and ashes; ponder who truly merits admiration; consider the wonder of man—seeing God! I recognize not merely the worth of this man, but the mercy of God. Therefore, praise Him who is merciful.
Serve the Lord with gladness. All servitude is filled with bitterness; those bound in considerable servitude are slaves and discontented. Do not fear the servitude of the Lord of Hosts; there exists no groaning, no resentment, no bitterness there; for no one wishes to be transferred to another master, for this servitude is a sweet grace, as we all have been redeemed. It is a great joy, my dear friends, to be a servant in that great household, even while in chains. Fear not, bound servant; rejoice before the Lord: attribute your chains to your own shortcomings; acknowledge your bonds, if you wish them to become your adornments. You are at once a servant and yet free—the servant by creation, free because you are cherished by the God who created you; indeed, you are truly free if love for Him consumes you. Do not serve with discontent; for your grumbling will not free you, but make you a wicked servant. You are the Lord’s servant, yet His freeman; seek not to escape His household, for He is the One who sets you free.
Now, he might say, I will live separately with a select few virtuous individuals; why should I stay among the masses? But from what crowd have these few selected individuals emerged? If all among them are virtuous, it is indeed commendable for someone to seek tranquility with those choosing a quieter existence, away from the tumultuous throngs, akin to being in a harbor. But is that the joy that has been promised? Not yet; rather, anxiety and the groans of temptation are present. For even a harbor has its entrance; otherwise, no vessel could dock there; thus it must have some opening, from which the wind may rush in; and where there are no rocks to protect a vessel, collisions inevitably occur. So where then is the safety if a harbor too is not secure? Nonetheless, it must be acknowledged that those in the harbor are indeed in a better position compared to those adrift in the open sea. Let them love each other like ships anchored in the harbor, let them find happiness together, striving for harmony and maintaining steadfast love; yet when the winds come from the open side, they must be vigilant in their navigation. What will someone say to me who presides over such places, serving in the so-called monastic life? I will take care; I will prevent any wrongdoing. But how can you assure there will be no evil? Those about to enter do not even know themselves; how much less can you truly comprehend them? Many have promised themselves that they will strive for that holy existence, where all things are shared, and no one claims any possession as his own, with hearts united in God, as Acts 4:32 illustrates, only to falter when they face trials. How, then, can you know another who is a mystery even to themselves? Where then is safety? In this life, indeed nowhere—only in the hope placed in God’s promises. Yet once we arrive at that promised land, security will be complete, once the gates of Jerusalem are locked; there we will find perfect joy. Do not presume to praise any life; judge no one blessed before their completed journey.
Thus individuals are led astray, either shunning a better life or recklessly pursuing it; and those inclined to criticize often do so from a perspective filled with envy and malice, overlooking the good and emphasizing only perceived evils. Thus, when a vocation is maligned, that is, received carelessly despite its reputation, those entering may encounter what they did not expect; and one offended by unrighteousness may turn away from the righteous. Dear friends, apply this teaching to your own lives, and heed it so you may truly live. The Church of God stands elevated; Christians alone are labeled as great, the Catholic Church is exalted; love for one another prevails; each performs acts of kindness for one another, dedicating themselves to prayer, fasting, and worship; in peaceful harmony across the earth, God is praised. Perhaps someone listens who fails to recognize that these praises do not include the wicked intermingled among them; and being drawn by such commendations, they arrive only to discover unrighteous individuals within, whom they were not warned of prior to their arrival. They become offended by false Christians and withdraw from true believers. Conversely, those who harbor animosity and slander quickly rise to accuse: What kind of people are Christians? What sort of individuals are Christians? Selfish, greedy. Are not those who fill the churches on feast days the same who flock to theaters and arenas for entertainment? They may indeed be gluttons, drunkards, envious, backbiters. And while that is true, they are not the only ones. But the one who slanders, in blindness, speaks of none of the good, while the careless critic overlooks the bad.