THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Bless the Lord, my soul! And let all that is within me bless His holy Name (Psalm 101:1). I believe the psalmist doesn’t intend for this to refer to the physical workings of our body. He does not imply that our lungs and liver should burst forth with praise, as if the mechanics of breath could fully express the Lord's blessing. It is evident we have lungs designed to facilitate our breath, producing voice and sound as we articulate words; indeed, no utterance escapes our lips without the movement of our lungs. However, this notion transcends mere physicality; it is a call for our very being to bless God. A man turns inward, urging his innermost self to exalt God, proclaiming, “All that is within me, bless His holy Name!” What does this “within me” refer to? It is your soul. Thus, to declare, “All that is within me, bless His holy Name!” echoes the earlier exhortation, “Bless, my soul, the Lord,” since the word “bless” is inherently understood. Raise your voice in praise if someone is willing to listen, and remain silent in praise when none can hear; yet, do not neglect to be attentive to the entirety of your inner being. By expressing this blessing through our lips, we have already engaged in it. We sang joyfully while we had the opportunity, and then fell silent; should our hearts remain silent in offering thanks to the Lord? Let our vocal praises resonate intermittently as the voice of our hearts remains an eternal melody. When you gather in worship and lift hymns of adoration, let your voice proclaim God's glory; even after stepping outside the church, continue to let your soul extol the Lord. In your daily toil, let your soul sing His praises. As you partake of your meals, remember the apostle’s words: “Whether therefore you eat or drink, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). I urge you, even in slumber, let your soul magnify the Lord. Allow not thoughts of wrongdoing to stir you; restrain yourself from schemes of betrayal and corrupt intent. Your integrity speaks through your soul even when you rest.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits (Psalm 102:2). Yet, to truly see the benefits of the Lord, one must first recognize their sins. Do not rejoice over past transgressions; rather, let the recognition of wrongdoing weigh upon you, fostering a sense of repentance and a yearning for forgiveness from God. In His graciousness, He invites us to question, “How can I repay the Lord for all His benefits to me?” This contemplation is what martyrs and saints, whom we honor today, reflected upon. Consider the words of St. John, who laid down his life for his brethren, embodying the perfection of love (1 John 3:16). Our Lord reminds us, “There is no greater love than this, than that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). These holy martyrs, seeking to find life eternally, despised their earthly existence, responding to our Lord’s call: “He who loves his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for My sake shall save it for eternal life.” He urges us to remember not merely rewards, but His manifold grace. Even when we have bestowed evil upon Him, His response is to reward us with good. How have you repaid your God with evil, despite receiving His goodness? You, who once were a blasphemer, have exchanged His kindness for your grievances (1 Timothy 1:13). Consider for a moment: what good could you ever offer Him? Perhaps you think you could bring Him a gift or an offering. Yet, can you repay Him from your own resources? In truth, all that you possess is His; only your sins belong to you. He does not desire repayment from that which is yours—He accomplishes His purposes through His own ways. Just as if you were to bring a bushel of grain to a farmer, you would not be repaying him from yourself, for all that is given originates from him. Likewise, if you present an offering of praise, remember it's the truth that honors Him, not a deceptive gesture. Speaking falsely only reveals one’s own character (John 8:44). To accept the cup of salvation is to participate in the Passion of the Lord. Therefore, I will drink from the cup of Christ, engaging fully in this sacred truth. Be mindful not to falter; I will call upon the name of the Lord. Those who stumbled did not seek His name, relying instead on their own abilities. Return with the understanding that you are giving back what you have received, thus let your soul bless the Lord, ensuring you do not forget His benefits.
Consider all His benefits: He who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases (Psalm 101:3). Reflect on His gifts: what deserved punishment was withheld from the sinner? What could the blasphemer expect but the fires of judgment? He offered grace instead, so you would not be paralyzed by fear but drawn by love. You may be a sinner, yet turn and embrace His mercies: He forgives all your sins. Yet even with forgiveness, the soul grapples with passions and temptations still skilled at luring you into transgression. Though enticed, seek His healing; for He can mend all your infirmities. Be not afraid; your concerns may seem overwhelming, but the Great Physician is greater than your fears. No affliction appears irreparable to Him; simply allow Him to work within you. Do not resist His loving hand; trust Him in the healing process, even if it involves painful remedies for your wellbeing. When confronted with trials, remember His promises do not fail. Unlike human physicians who may offer flawed hope, the Creator of your body and soul knows precisely how to restore what He has formed, so accept His healing touch. It is through His hands that restoration occurs.
Who redeems your life from destruction (Psalm 101:4)? Observe how a corrupt body burdens the soul (Wisdom 9:15); yet within this flawed body, the soul discovers what life can be. What sort of life dwells in a body constrained by corruption? It struggles under burdens and distractions, wondering how often our thoughts stray from God amidst the weight of human frailty. The obstacles to our focus on God remind us of our humanity, where confusion and misdirection abound, conjured by a heart infected with worldly temptation. Yet amidst our afflictions, let us extol the Great Physician who offers healing. Recognize that He who fashioned you desires your wellness; if only you commit to the path of righteousness. Prioritize the state of your soul. While the distractions of life may attempt to draw your focus away, heed the call to seek your inner health first. Christ embodies your health; focus on Him! Accept the cup of His salvation, for it rescues and renews. The contract for your redemption has been established; be at peace: no one can deceive or oppress you. The Savior has already paid the price with His blood, the precious Son of God. Arise, treasured soul; you have immense worth—He will redeem you from decay.
He crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. Should you feel prideful upon hearing “He crowns you,” consider whose strength you relied upon. His crowning is a tribute to His gifts, not your accomplishments. The Apostle Paul affirmed, “I labored more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). In His grace, you find your reward; thus, do not take pride in your own strength but continually praise the Lord and remember all His benefits. It is indeed a remarkable gift when a sinful individual is called into righteousness. It is a blessing to be uplifted with guidance to remain steadfast. The assurance that not even a hair on your head will perish is a reward unto itself, as is the promise of eternal praise following your resurrection.
After life's battles, I shall be crowned. But what follows the crown? It is He who satisfies your desires with good things (Psalm 102:5). Seek the highest good for your soul. Though various creations seek different forms of fulfillment, there is one ultimate goodness, which is God Himself (Matthew 19:17). God is the supreme good. Examine the lowly necessities that sustain earthly creatures; cattle exist to fulfill basic needs. God grants provisions but do not confine your aspirations to mere physical sustenance. Fellow heir of Christ, seek what is truly good and fulfilling. He is the source of all goodness, and through Him, all things were declared good.
When will my yearning for goodness be filled? You inquire. Your youth shall be renewed like the eagle’s. When will your soul bask in divine favor? When you experience this renewal. The comparison to the eagle is not without purpose; do not overlook its significance. It suggests resurrection—not in the sense of immortality but of rejuvenation. The eagle, burdened by age, grows unable to feed due to the continuous growth of its beak, hampering its ability to take sustenance. To restore its vitality, it strikes its beak against a stone, shedding the burden that hinders its nourishment. Thus, it is rejuvenated, soaring as it once did, resembling a resurrection. This imagery reflects our own renewal through Christ; for just as the moon waxes and wanes, signaling that change is a constant reality. In Christ, our youth shall be restored, freeing us from all that weighs us down—the Rock who is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4).
The Lord executes righteousness and justice on behalf of all who are oppressed (Psalm 102:6). When confronted with the law, the adulteress was brought before our Lord. When she was presented, He lowered His head, inscribing upon the ground. In bowing to the earth, He initiated a new narrative—not on stone, which symbolizes the law, but on the fertile ground that signifies grace. Confronted by accusations, He challenged them, saying, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7). The accusers, faced with their own conscience, retreated, realizing their adulterous hearts rather than the woman before them. Before the Rock of Ages, their attempts to judge were dismantled.
Show mercy to the erring, yet not embody their wickedness. Welcome those in sin not from a place of affection for their transgressions; it is crucial to maintain a distance rooted in truth. While we are to offer help to those in need, extend such kindness with discernment. Afford assistance to one who genuinely seeks, not to reinforce their sin. Indeed, to be indulgent towards sin is a grave offense to God. When aiding those in spiritual need, do not become complacent with their faults; rather, consider the deeper purpose behind the assistance. Reflect and act accordingly; the Lord mandates that whoever receives a righteous person should do so with the right intention, recognizing their standing before God. By doing so, one’s reward shall be assured (Matthew 10:42).
Therefore, be merciful without trepidation and demonstrate love even to your adversaries. Guide those in error with compassion, restraining them with a spirit of mercy in hopes of their eternal wellbeing; care for the flesh even while admonishing the soul. Bear patiently with those who reside outside your authority, yet offer kindness and support. The merciful Lord will also show you mercy, remembering that vengeance belongs to Him alone (Deuteronomy 32:35).
He made His ways known to Moses (Psalm 102:7). The Law was designed to reveal the need for healing, so the afflicted could seek the Great Physician. This truth is hidden, as grace began to unfold. Five books were entrusted to Moses, akin to the five porches surrounding the pool where the sick lay waiting for healing; yet the waters were stirred only when He who brings renewal approaches. The purpose of the Law is not merely its abiding presence but the revelation it brings to those who recognize their sin, directing them back toward the Physician for grace and restoration.