THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Praise the Lord, my soul! And all that is within me, bless His holy Name (Psalm 101:1). I do not believe the psalmist refers to our physical body; it is not as if he desires our lungs or liver to proclaim blessings audibly. Indeed, our respiratory system functions mechanically, producing breaths that transform into voice when we speak; yet, that is not the essence of the message. This pertains to the ears of man, for God possesses ears, and the heart has its own voice. A person turns inward and calls upon their inner self, urging, “All that lies within me, bless His holy Name!” What, then, embodies what is inside you? It is your very soul. When we say, “All that is within me bless His holy Name,” it reflects the earlier phrase, “Bless the Lord, my soul,” as the term “bless” is already implied. Speak loudly if anyone can hear you, but remain silent if not; do not silence what dwells within you. Thus, we have already conveyed blessings from our lips in repeating these words. We sang as long as we could and then fell quiet; should our hearts ever cease to bless the Lord? Let our voices offer praise now, while the song of our hearts endures forever. When you gather in worship to sing a hymn, your voice praises God. After leaving church, let your soul continue to honor Him. As you engage in daily tasks, let your soul uplift the Lord. As you partake in meals, remember what the apostle taught: “Whether you eat or drink, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Even in sleep, let your soul glorify the Lord. Do not allow thoughts of wrongdoing to stir you; resist schemes of theft or plans of deceit. Your innocence, even while at rest, shall be the voice of your soul.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits (Psalm 102:2). Yet, His blessings cannot be truly perceived unless we confront our transgressions. Do not allow past iniquities to bring you joy, but rather keep in view the truth of sin—the condemnation from your heart and the forgiveness from God. Thus shall God recompense you, prompting you to ask, “How shall I repay the Lord for all His benefits?” This is the contemplation of the martyrs we honor today, and all saints who regarded this life with disdain, laying down their lives for their brothers as St. John expressed: “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16). Our Lord also proclaims: “There is no greater love than this, than to lay down one's life for friends” (John 15:13). These holy martyrs disregarded this earthly life in pursuit of eternal life, aligning with our Lord’s words: “He who loves his life shall lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake shall save it for eternal life.” Forget not, He says, all His benefits: not merely benefits but rewards. The former was justly deserved, while the latter was given freely. Hence, the inquiry arises: “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” You have often repaid evil for good; how have you, a man once marked by blasphemy and persecution (1 Timothy 1:13), returned wickedness for His goodness? You exist by His grace; He created you in His own image, as detailed in Genesis 1:26-27. Seek not ways to reward Him; simply return to Him His own image—He seeks nothing more than this.
Contemplate, O soul, the countless benefits of God, especially considering all your sinful actions: for each sin, He has bestowed numerous gifts. What offering can you make to Him? What reward do you think you can present to the Lord? You ponder yet find nothing to give, save for the cup of salvation. But did not our Lord Himself bestow the cup of salvation? Do not attempt to repay Him with anything that originates from within you; He desires no gift from your sinful nature. If you offer from your own, you only repay sin. Everything you possess comes from Him; your sins alone arise from within you. He seeks no reward from you; His will is accomplished through His gifts. Just as giving a farmer an ear of wheat from his own field offers nothing new, so too, bringing what is your own to God is but an act of folly. Offer heavenly truths in true worship, for offering anything else is a falsehood. He who speaks lies speaks from his own; but speaking the truth belongs to the Lord. Accepting the cup of salvation is akin to imitating Christ’s Passion. I will accept the cup of Christ, I will partake of His suffering. Beware of failing this calling. I shall invoke the name of the Lord. The ones who falter do not call upon Him; they trust in their own ability instead. Return and remember you are giving back what has already been granted to you. Thus, let your soul bless the Lord, ensuring that you don't forget all His benefits.
Listen to His rewards. He who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your afflictions (Psalm 101:3). Reflect on His blessings. What, apart from punishment, does the sinner rightfully deserve? What is the due recompense for the blasphemer but a fiery hell? Yet He does not deal with you according to your sins; do not live in fear, but in love. You are a sinner—turn back and accept His rewards: He forgives every one of your iniquities. Yet after sins have been forgiven, the soul might still wrestle with various temptations; desires may arise within, some leading to discontent, while others may entice you, and sometimes you may engage with those desires you cherish. This leads to vulnerability. It remains an infirmity, but He will heal all your frailties. Do not allow fear to overtake you; for while your afflictions may seem overwhelming, the Physician is even more powerful. In the eyes of the Almighty Healer, no frailty is insurmountable. Surrender to His healing touch; do not reject Him—He is adept at mending you. You will rejoice in His care and endure under His discipline, willingly accepting the pain for a future restoration.
He will not delay in bringing your health; the one who made you knows your constitution. He who redeems your life from destruction (Psalm 101:4). Observe how a corrupt body burdens the soul. Wisdom points out this truth: the soul thrives while encumbered by flesh. But what sort of life is this? It is one of struggle and weight; how often do distractions prevent us from recognizing our need for God? Numerous influences deter us, interrupting our thoughts aimed at the divine. Temptations swarm relentlessly within the heart, akin to pests ravaging a harvest. While we paint a picture of our ailments, let us also exalt the Divine Healer. Is it not fitting for the Creator, who fashioned us in health, to restore us, provided we remain faithful to His laws? Prioritize your wellbeing above all else.
When confronted with illness, the body—despite its own confining circumstances—may experience bursts of awareness leading to desires that distract from healing. Yet, there exists a call to wakefulness. If we are not afflicted, we must remain vigilant for others. If your own condition betrays your sickness, tend first to your spiritual health. Christ embodies our wellness; contemplate Him, partake in His cup which brings healing to all your ills, if only you choose to accept this salvation. Your life has been redeemed; live now in peace. The covenant made assures you of His protection—no one deceives or overpowers your Redeemer. Here lies the great exchange: He has paid the ultimate penalty; the only-begotten Son of God gave His life for you. Rise, O soul, for your worth is immeasurable. He shall redeem your life from degradation.
He adorns you with grace and compassion. If the notion of “He crowns you” brings about pride, remember that it is through Him you attain this honor. His crowning is a reward for His gifts, not your own merit. The Apostle said, “I labored more than any of them; yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Hence, it is through His grace that you will receive your crown; boast in nothing else, but continually praise the Lord, holding dearly to all His rewards. When a sinful man is called to justification, it is a reward; being uplifted and guided to stand firm is a gift; receiving strength to endure until the end is a blessing. Even your mortal frame, having once oppressed you, will be resurrected, ensuring not a single hair shall perish. It is a gift that you will one day praise God without ceasing, eternally singing His glory.
After the struggle comes the crown; and then, what is your response? He who fulfills your longing for goodness (Psalm 102:5)—seek the good for your soul. Different creatures seek differing goods, each pursuing fulfillment related to their nature. Consider how cattle seek nourishment and health, finding value in simple existence and procreation. If you desire such basic goods, remember, God provides, but do not seek only this. Can you, joint heir with Christ, find satisfaction in worldly concerns? Raise your hopes to the highest good. It is through Him that you were made good. God’s creation is fundamentally good.
When will my desires find fulfillment in goodness? When, you ask? Your youth shall be renewed like the eagle's. Do you inquire when your soul will be filled with blessings? It will renew when your youth returns. The reference made to the eagle carries significance. The eagle’s youth regains vitality, even if not eternal; the analogy serves as a metaphor for our eventual resurrection. The eagle, when aged, faces deformity and restriction, burdened by an overgrown beak, rendering him incapable of eating. Yet, to regain its strength, it strikes its beak against a stone, shedding the encumbrance that prevents nourishment. Thus, rejuvenated, the eagle soars anew, akin to a resurrection. This serves as an image of hope: just as the eagle is revived, mankind, too, shall attain eternal life through Christ, our Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), who does away with obstacles impeding growth. In Him, our youth will be restored.
The Lord executes mercy and judgment for the downtrodden (Psalm 102:6). The woman found in adultery is brought before the Law, yet she encounters the Lawgiver Himself. When the Lord sees her, He lowers His head and begins to write upon the earth; this act signifies a shift, as heavenly truths unfold for the humble. He first inscribed the Law on stone, denoting the rigid heart of the accuser. Now, in writing upon the earth, He signifies His readiness to heal and restore. Confronted with their own consciences, the accusers retreat; it is not the frailty of the woman they condemn, but the betrayal within their own hearts.
Extend mercy to the wicked, yet do not embrace their iniquity. Receive individuals not based solely on their sinfulness, but with an eye toward love and restoration for their eternal salvation. While one may feel inclination toward the sinner, we are called to uphold righteousness. Indeed, we are instructed to give to those who ask, and to show kindness even to our enemies (Romans 12:20). Yet, giving unto them must not endorse their faults. When assistance is provided to those lost in sin, we must endeavor to do so with integrity—not in a manner that condones their transgressions. It is vital to offer help that reflects God’s compassionate truth, rather than further entrench them in their wrongdoing.
This matter is crystal clear—you are called to righteousness. Jesus said: “He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward” (Matthew 10:42). Thus we learn: who receives a sinner for the sake of that sin risks losing the divine blessing.
Therefore, let your heart beat in mercy without trepidation; love even your foes, guiding them through kindness for their eternal good. While some may need correction, approach with a heart of love. Even if you find yourself lacking authority over others, allow compassion towards their wounds. He who sees your mercy shall bestow His grace upon you; you, too, shall be merciful, for the Lord declares, “To Me belongs vengeance; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35).