Strengthened by You, I feel mightier than the nations that surround me. My wounds are decayed (See: Psalm 37:6). Yet, I still desire the scars of Your discipline, which, once healed, leave no trace of sores behind. The marks of triumph are beautiful—so splendid are the victors of worldly confrontations! However, even more glorious are the injuries endured for the truth and for the honor of Your name. Such wounds open the gates of Heaven, secure the Kingdom, and grant eternal life. Hence, dear brethren, such wounds are blessed, as are those who have cleansed their garments in blood. Thus, this mortal body begins to transform into a robe of glory, where Paul, the chosen servant of God, was exposed until he requested deliverance from this body of death (See: Rom. 7:24). Therefore, while we inhabit this body of mortality, we beseech the beloved Healer not to abandon us. Patriarch David pleaded for His presence, and we ourselves, already seeking healing, surrender to the remedies He provides. One does not instruct a physician on how to treat ailments; the healer understands which remedies are appropriate for various conditions. The physician knows when to surgically remove a festering wound to prevent a dire affliction from spreading throughout the body. If the doctor prescribes a treatment and the patient dismisses it in disdain, the doctor will step away, leaving the patient to their fate. Observe the individual yearning for restoration: they willingly accept whatever course of action the doctor deems fit, heeding every instruction; they first reveal their wounds and implore, “Cure me, but I humbly ask that you not be wrathful, for I am frail and may not withstand harsh treatment.” Christ heals through reproof, for the Lord confronts those He seeks to redeem. Thus, Paul instructs the physician to “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” (2 Tim. 4:2). One who wishes to be corrected does not shy away from treatment (See: Psalm 37:2) but rather seeks to lessen the severity of the judgment—to avoid condemnation in anger or scorn in wrath.
Notice the sequence: first, they request to be shown their failings, and more significantly—they ask for correction. Additionally, they not only acknowledge their wrongdoings but enumerate them, openly confessing to avoid concealing their sins. This occurs with a serious illness: when a fever takes hold, one cannot be cured instantly; however, realization of the ailment provides hope for recovery. Sin behaves similarly: while concealed, it torments, but once confessed, it dissipates. Thus, a righteous person acknowledges their guilt at the outset (Proverbs 18:18), before the infection reaches deeper; unexamined sin burdens the conscience if no remedy is sought. If the physician hesitates, the afflicted should promptly approach them. In this manner, David placed himself under divine correction, saying, “Recompense me double for my transgressions” (See: Isaiah 40:2). While You absolve sins in this life, do not forsake me; do not turn Your face from me (Psalms 26:9), reject me not, nor be disheartened by the stench of my transgressions! And Job, Your servant, endured sores from head to foot (See: Job 2:7) but found a path to salvation even though his afflictions stemmed from righteousness, while mine arise from sin. His sores were festering, beyond the reach of earthly healers. You, O Lord, unveiled the mysteries of Your salvation, exposed the venom of the serpent, and through Your word alone healed the wounds of Your servant Job, for You did not abandon him. “Forsake me not, O Lord my God, forsake me not” (Psalm 37:22)! Humanity has abandoned me because of my revolting wounds; I willingly reveal these sores to Your loving care. People say, “Depart from us because you are a sinner; do not defile us!” But You, O Lord, heal without contamination, assist without becoming tainted, for You are the God of salvation, O Lord, and Your right hand delivers and does not destroy.
We concluded the psalm with an interpretation of this section not found in some Greek and Latin manuscripts. Prior to the next responsory, recite the line: “They cast me away like a loathsome corpse” (Psalm 37:21b). This phrase is retained only in the Arabic version, signifying they have repaid me with malice for my goodwill. Yet You do not abandon me, O Lord my God, do not depart from me (Psalm 37:22), which means: You do not forsake me; Your care extends even to the lifeless and the decomposed. We read in the Gospel how, when He approached Lazarus's tomb, He commanded, “Take away the stone.” Martha responded, “He already stinks, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:39-40). He called Lazarus, and he emerged unharmed. Let us also have faith and apply to our wounds the healing of salvation and future glory!
Our prayers and pleas, accompanied by pain and tears, should seek repentance so that we may be honored to witness this glory of God. And do not be troubled by the affliction, pain, and decay that the body undergoes, causing intense suffering. Though they may appear grave, such trials are inconsequential compared to the glory that is to come, of which the apostle Paul testifies (See: Rom. 8:18). Let us not be ashamed to endure lighter burdens on Earth that we may receive full praise and glory in Heaven, achieving eternal rewards through the Lord Jesus. To Him be praise, glory, honor, and everlasting dominion, now and forevermore. Amen.
THEOSIS