THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Bless the Lord, O my soul. Let every soul united in Christ proclaim this truth. O Lord my God, You are immensely exalted! Psalm 102:1. In what way are You glorified? You have clothed Yourself with majesty and splendor. Acknowledge this so that you may be adorned, allowing Him to wrap you in His grace. Clothed in light like a robe Psalm 103:2. We are adorned in His Church, which has become radiant in Him—previously it was enveloped in darkness, as the apostle states, "You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord." Ephesians 5:8. Just as You spread the heavens as if they were a covering, so too do You extend the authority of the Holy Scriptures across the globe. Here, ‘skin’ symbolizes mortality, as the wisdom of the Divine Scriptures is imparted through mortal individuals, whose glory continues even beyond their death.
Who covered the higher places with water Psalm 102:3? What are these heights? Heaven. What is Heaven’s essence? Figuratively, we refer to the Divine Scriptures. And what defines these heights? The commandment of love, which stands above all else. Mark 12:31. Why then is love likened to water? Because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been bestowed upon us. Romans 5:5. What does the Spirit symbolize in relation to water? As it is written, Jesus exclaimed, "Whoever believes in Me, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water." John 7:37-38. How do we know this pertains to the Spirit? The evangelist clarifies, stating, "But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive." Who ascends above the winged winds, meaning above the soul's virtues? The virtue of the soul is the love of self. How then will He triumph over it? God’s love for us surpasses our love for Him.
He makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a flaming fire Psalm 102:4; this refers to those who are already spiritual, not earthly. He enlivens them as angels, sending them forth to proclaim His gospel, and the fiery minister serves Him. For if the preacher does not burn with zeal, he does not ignite his listeners.
The earth He founded upon its steadfastness Psalm 103:5. He established His Church upon this firm foundation. What constitutes the Church’s foundation? The Apostle states, "No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11. What then is to be said of a foundation like this? "It shall not be moved forever." He secured the earth on its stability—thus He built the Church on Christ. The Church would tremble if the foundation quakes; but when will Christ, through whom all was created—even before His incarnation, by whom all things maintain their existence Hebrews 1:3—be shaken? Because Christ remains steadfast, she will endure eternally. Where are those who claim the Church has vanished from the world, when she remains unable to be destroyed?
The abyss, as a covering, is her attire Psalm 102:6. Whose attire? Could it be God’s? But He has already said, "Clothed in light as in a garment." I understand God’s attire to be light, which, if we desire, includes us. What if we genuinely pursue it? We will no longer dwell in darkness. Now, if God is clothed in light, to whom does the abyss serve as a covering? The vast depths of water are termed the abyss; all moisture, all fluid essence, flowing through seas, rivers, and hidden shafts—all are collectively called the Abyss. Hence, we comprehend the earth of which He says, "He founded the earth." I believe He means: "The abyss, like a garment, is its covering." Water encircles and envelops the earth...
The waters rise above the mountains, that is, the abyss—the earth's robe—has been so overwhelming that even the waters ascend above the peaks. We read of this during the flood... The prophet, who intended to prophesy rather than recount historical events, expressed this to signify how the Church faces waves of persecution. At one point, torrents of persecutors engulfed God’s Church, overwhelming it so completely that even the mightiest mountains seemed to vanish. Amidst this scattering, where was their visibility? Perhaps these very torrents cried, "Save me, O God, for the waters have reached even unto my soul." Especially those turbulent waves that render the sea treacherous and desolate. Wherever the sea water inundates land, it makes it barren, just as it did by submerging mountains.
Why did the apostles flee? Because the torrents towered over the mountains. The force of the waters was great, but how long would it last? Pay attention to what occurs next. At Your rebuke they shall scatter Psalm 102:7. And it came to pass, dear brethren; by God's rebuke, the waters receded, the waves withdrew from their advance upon the mountains. Now, look at the mountains themselves: Peter and Paul—how they have been exalted! Those once beleaguered by oppressors are now honored like emperors. For the waters ceased at God’s rebuke; considering that the heart of kings is within the Lord’s control, He has directed their hearts as He desires; Proverbs 21:1 He has commanded peace for the Christians; the authority of the Apostles has flourished and risen... The waters retreated at the sound of His rebuke. At the sound of Your thunder, they tremble. Who would not fear the voice of God spoken through the apostles, the voice of God resonating through the Scriptures, His clouds? The sea stilled, the waters trembled, and the mountains stood revealed; the emperor issued the decree. But who would have commanded it if God had not thundered? Since the Divine willed, they issued commands, and it was accomplished. Thus, let no one claim merit for themselves.
The mountains ascend, and the valleys descend to the place established for them. Psalm 102:8. Here He continues with the waters’ portrayal. Let us not view mountains merely as physical peaks; we may interpret valleys as the opposing lower terrains. The sea once surged with waves that were comparable to mountains, capable of submerging the apostles’ mountains. But for how long may the mountains rise and valleys lower? They raged, but now they are calm. When they stormed, they stood like mountains; now, pacified, they are valleys because He established a resting place for them. It is as if there exists a deep channel where the previously turbulent hearts of men retreated.
Initially they were mountains, now they are valleys; however, even tranquil waters remain a sea. Why are they now so placid? Why do they lack fury? Why do they not strive to cover our land, even if it means not overthrowing it? Why indeed not?
Listen. You have ordained a boundary which they shall not surpass nor return to cover the earth. Psalm 103:9. Since even the most bitter waves have received their measure, we are allowed the liberty to preach such truths; for they have a fixed limit, unable to surpass it or to cover the earth anew. What now transpires upon the earth itself? What endeavors are taking place now that the seas have left it naked? Although gentle waves murmur on the shore, though the nations may murmur around, I hear the noise of the shore and fear not the flood. So what is occurring on earth? Who sends forth springs into the valleys? Psalm 102:10. You send, he states, springs into the valleys. Understand there are diminutive valleys, those lower regions amid the land. Mountains are high grounds, while valleys represent their low-lying counterparts. Do not disdain the lowly places; for from them springs flow. You send springs to the diminutive valleys. Hear the mountain’s response. The apostle declares, "I labored more abundantly than all." Although greatness manifests before us, to enable the waters to flow, he made a valley of himself: "But not I, but the grace of God which was with me." 1 Corinthians 15:10.
There is no contradiction in mountains being valleys as they are termed mountains due to spiritual greatness and valleys because of their humble spirit. “Not I,” he states, “but the grace of God which is with me.”
What does it signify that "the waters shall pass through the midst of the mountains"? We comprehend who the mountains are—glorious preachers of the word, exalted angels of God, yet still clad in mortal flesh; exalted not by their own strength, but by His grace. They inhabit mountains, yet they are valleys, in humility pouring forth springs. "In the midst," he says, meaning amid the mountains shall flow the proclamation of the Word of Truth. What lies in the center between the apostles? That which is known as "in the midst" is the common good. The common good, via which all share equally, exists in the center, and does not belong merely to me or you. For if it is not in the middle, then it is, in a sense, private; it flows not for communal use, leading to possessive exclusivity; thus, this cannot constitute the preaching of peace.
Therefore, beloved, let what we have articulated serve your Love’s purpose through the springs: let them flow from you, as valleys, and share what you inherit from God. Let the flow of God’s waters be celebrated universally, shunning the privatization of human fibs.
Thus, “All the beasts of the forest shall drink.” Psalm 103:11. Indeed, we observe this in visible creation, that the wild creatures draw from springs and streams that course between mountains. Yet it pleases God to shroud wisdom amid the imagery of these matters, not withholding from earnest seekers, but hiding from the indifferent and allowing revelation to those who inquire. Hence it pleases the Lord God Himself to encourage us through these reflections, that amid corporeal creation’s analogies, we may seek spiritual truths hidden therein, which, once discovered, ignite our joy. By the "beasts of the forest," we refer to the Gentiles, as confirmed by Scripture in multiple passages.
These creatures partake fleetingly of the waters, transiently, rather than abidingly; all the teachings propagated thus far dissipate swiftly. Lest your love assume that “in that city, where it is said, Praise the Lord, Jerusalem; praise your God, Zion; for He has fortified the bars of your gates,” and as the gates are strengthened and the city enclosed, where no friends venture out, nor foes intrude; shall we find a tome to read, or a discourse to be elucidated just as it is presented to you now? That is why it is being treated, momentarily segmented, for collective contemplation at that time. There shall be an abundance of God's Word there—not lacking letters, nor sounds, nor readers, nor interpreters.
When then? For "In the beginning was the Word," etc. John 1:1. He did not come to absent Himself; instead, He was in the world, and the world was formed through Him. This is the Word on which we should meditate. For the God of gods will manifest in Zion. But when will that be? Following our pilgrimage, when the journey is complete; however, it may also after the journey’s conclusion, we be presented before the Judge, so that the Judge might send us into confinement. But if, upon completion of our journey—as we hope, yearn, and endeavor—we reach our homeland, we will behold that which we will eternally praise. One who possesses, and we who partake shall not be satiated; neither will the eater grow weary of what he consumes; grand and wondrous will this vision be.