Psalm 119 (118):75Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider also what follows: “Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 117:2). I believe this describes no different group of the blessed than the one already referred to. To deeply engage with the testimonies of the Lord and to seek Him with complete devotion signifies blamelessness on the path—it embodies obedience to the law of the Lord. Then we have, "For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). It is evident that those who engage in wickedness may study the testimonies of the Lord, but this is often out of a preference for knowledge over righteousness. We also recognize that some may study the testimonies not out of righteous living, but rather in pursuit of understanding how they ought to live. Such individuals do not yet embody blamelessness in the law of the Lord, which is why they remain unblessed.

The psalm states a truth: “They that do evil walk not in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). We must strive, with God’s assistance, to ensure that proper declarations are not misconstrued; after all, we are reminded that both we and our words rest in God’s hands (Wisdom 7:16). We should be cautious not to infer that all the saints, whose words remind us, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8-9), cannot walk in the ways of the Lord since sin is contrary to His paths. Conversely, while it is undeniable that they navigate the ways of the Lord, to assert they have no sin would be incorrect. This warning is presented not merely to prevent arrogance but is insightful when considering that it follows with the reassurance: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

What does it mean when the psalmist says, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Have you demanded too much? Or perhaps left us wanting? Regardless of interpretation, these words seem to contradict a well-regarded philosophy praised by the Greeks and revered by the Latins, which encourages moderation in all things. Yet the Latin term ‘nimis’ is sometimes understood within a more impactful context, as demonstrated in Scripture. In this instance, the implication is that to suggest, “You have accused us of adhering too closely to Your commandments," reflects a profound commitment. When expressing love, for instance, saying, "I love you too much," conveys depth rather than excess.

The psalmist's heartfelt plea reflects a desire for alignment with God’s decrees: “Oh, if my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!” (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed undertaken the responsibility for this request: may I see the gravity of what You call upon me? As you hear this, recognize the yearning in the words, and upon recognizing that desire, let go of any pride that may mislead you. Who can claim they seek after what is within their power if they believe they can achieve it unaided? Therefore, desiring obedience to God’s commands calls for earnest prayer to receive the grace needed to fulfill those commands.

The psalmist continues, “And I will not be put to shame while I keep all Your commandments” (Psalm 118:6). We should regard God’s commandments in the same manner as a mirror, as aptly described by the apostle James (James 1:23-25). This person longs to reflect the commandments of God truthfully and seeks not to be confounded; where the intent is to be not merely a listener but also a practitioner. Hence, they express a desire for their paths to align and for their observance of God’s statutes. How might one’s path be straightened except through God’s grace? Otherwise, encountering the law could lead only to confusion rather than joy if the commandments are disregarded.

“I will confess to You, O Lord, with an upright heart; I will learn about Your righteous judgments” (Psalm 117:7). This is not merely a confession of transgressions but rather an expression of gratitude, similar to the praise culminating in, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25), and as seen in the Wisdom literature that urges us to affirm all the good works of God (Sirach 39:15-16). The psalmist articulates, “I confess to You according to the direction of my heart.” Indeed, if my ways are made straight, I will glorify You, for this praise is due to You and not to me.

Moreover, the psalmist proclaims, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). What follows this statement? “Do not forsake me entirely!” or as some translations phrase it, “not even in abundance.” While God could have abandoned the world to its sinful wilderness, it is preserved through a formidable remedy—His grace, manifested through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, God did not abandon it entirely; rather, He reconciled the world to Himself through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Instead of trying to unravel the enigmas of divine judgment, he humbly sought to grasp the commandments of God and discern His will sufficiently to please Him. His earnest prayer—“Make me wise, and I will learn Thy commandments”—invited a divine light that not only granted him knowledge of God’s commandments and His saving intention but also revealed the mysteries and profound truths of His judgments: “I understand, O Lord, how true is Thy destiny.”

The spiritual insight of this holy figure provides us with essential lessons that merit careful reflection: do not despair when faced with trials or hardships that appear incomprehensible within the framework of divine Providence. Do not assume that the absence of clear understanding signifies a lack of divine truth. Avoid delving into the mysteries of God's judgments. Focus, instead, on what is essential: recognize that your own reasoning alone cannot fathom these mysteries or fully grasp the commandments of God in all their depth and breadth within both the inner and outer realms of life. For that understanding, it is vital to earnestly seek the gift of insight through prayer: “Make me understand, and I will learn Thy commandments.” Take solace in this reassuring truth: a genuine and committed desire to learn God's commandments and fulfill His will can elevate the soul and draw a radiant light upon it, one that guides in the righteous path and reveals the mysteries of divine truth.

The reflections offered here, which are universally valuable, are particularly relevant to our current circumstances. It is a natural inclination for descendants to honor their ancestors, much like children honoring their parents. However, this church, accompanied by its charitable institution, stands as a memorial from ancestors to their successors, from parents to their offspring. His two sons, raised with devout care, who had reached an age promising future generations, were summoned to the heavenly Father’s unseen home. The daughter, who began to fulfill this familial hope by becoming a wife and mother like her brothers, similarly departed this life with her own children. The father still harbors hope, yet many expectations are now painfully lost amid the somber shadows of fate. Yet, blessed be the Lord of Fates, the Father of mercies, the God of all comfort! His grace inspired the grieving heart to seek solace in loving service to others.

Is it possible to perceive the truth and goodness of God's plans amidst troubling and sorrowful events? It appears so. A young man's soul, seeking clarity, opened to me. He faced tension between his parents’ desire to lead him toward marriage and his own calling to dedicate his life to God in chastity. Two virtues—a deep reverence for his parents and a profound love for virginity—clashed within him. He was reluctant to deny his parents’ wishes, yet he also wished to uphold his commitment to a life of purity. I advised him to take time for reflection and to fervently pray: “Tell me, O Lord, the way in which I shall go, for unto Thee have I taken my soul” (Psalm 142:8). The Lord responded to his prayer, resolving his dilemma and preserving his virtue. In a short span, He welcomed the young man, who honored both his parents and his commitment to chastity. Is this not a radiant beacon of hope? Do we not see the truth and goodness in God’s judgments?

Furthermore, the fate of the dearly beloved servant, Boularyna Barbara, mourned by her parents during her lifetime, should now be regarded with blessings from the love of Christianity. Though the young tree has withered and the early fruit has fallen, an artistry has emerged through which a garden blossoms anew, producing a different type of fruit in continual renewal. Though she left no biological descendants, she nurtures spiritual offspring, born not of flesh but of the spirit of Christian love. If it is a “blessing” to witness one’s “sons… like new plants of oil around the meal” (Psalm 127:4-5), how much greater a blessing it is to gather a multitude of vulnerable children, providing them with sustenance, clothing, rest, essential education, and—above all—guiding them to God through faith, prayer, and reverence for the sanctuary?

Those who nurture their children act according to the laws of nature and the teachings of the Creator. The words woven into the text remind us that often individuals serve themselves, prioritizing their own comfort, yet do not overlook the higher purposes of nurturing. The Christian who devotes time and effort to educate and care for the discarded children of others engages in selfless service to their earthly and heavenly communities and ultimately to the Heavenly Father. The divine “Father of the strong” (Psalm 67:6) and of the meek bestows His goodness, stirring within the heart a compassionate urge to share one’s treasures with them. The God of righteousness collects these transient gifts, transforming them into eternal treasures for the benefactor: “Waste, give to the poor: his righteousness endureth for ever” (Psalm 111:9).

Let us exalt the pathways of God, often mysterious to us, yet always just and good, which sometimes transition from darkness to light, deriving solace from deprivation to the grace of consolation. Even if we fail to arrive at the point of saying, “I understand, O Lord, the truth of Thy destiny,” let us at the very least express: “I believe, O Lord, the truth of Thy destiny,” and surrender ourselves to them in trust.

Let us honor in our neighbors—and as an admonition to ourselves—the ability to heal sorrow by performing acts of kindness. This approach serves as a potent remedy. As we delight in doing good and receiving favors, may we wish for God to raise what has been sown by humanity. O Christ, O merciful Christ, who once proclaimed: “let the children come to Me” (Mk. 10:14)! Countless children stand before You. No one restricts their approach, yet we strive to usher them to You and place them at Your right hand. Bless them abundantly that they may flourish in faith and virtue, becoming worthy members of the Christian community and inheritors of Your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

It happens after his repentance, once he commits to living righteously, seeks divine guidance, and learns God’s commandments. Before this transformation, he never considered viewing his life through this lens—understanding how and why divine providence charts his path. When he did ponder it, it was not rooted in recognizing his own sin and guilt as the reason for his circumstances. A sinner, while lost in sin, is blind to the hand of God in his life and, surrounded by transgressions, does not recognize that the shifts in his fortune are consequences of his sins. Instead, he commonly clings to the belief that he suffers unjustly, prone to grumbling against God’s providential arrangements. His perspective is severely skewed! However, when grace touches a sinner’s heart, he awakens from his moral slumber, and the veil of darkness begins to lift from his mind. As repentance gives way to a commitment to live righteously, a profound light envelops him. Adhering to the commandments amplifies this illumination. Once a virtuous disposition takes root, the atmosphere of his thoughts becomes clear, and he perceives the reasons for the events in his life. He then echoes the prophet’s call to ‘understand’—to see clearly; ‘as the truth of Your purpose, Thou hast truly humbled me.’ St. Ambrose writes that one who comprehends the ways of God’s providence can resonate with the words of King David found here. Nothing transpires without God’s awareness; everything unfolds according to His divine decree. This understanding is what he sought in prayer, asking God for guidance to learn the commandments. Once he receives this instruction, he gains insight into the righteousness of God’s judgments. Such comprehension is the hallmark of a mature believer. Belief and understanding are distinct experiences; faith belongs to those who have grasped the fear of God, while understanding rests with those who have attained salvation. I was humbled to come to this realization, for the proud cannot perceive such truths. Yet, through humility, we come to recognize our sins, and with humility, we cleanse our transgressions. ‘I have humbled myself,’ he declares, and “he hath saved me” (Ps. 114:5). True humility is found in those who lower themselves for salvation; their suffering is not in vain if it leads them to repentance. Nonetheless, there exists a gap between grasping this truth and the fear that spurs true repentance. The Lord assures the faithful Jews, ‘If ye continue in My word.... you will understand the truth’ (John 8:31-32). It is evident that understanding is not immediate; it evolves as one fears God and hears His word.

O Lord, to whom I owe my existence, enlighten me in the knowledge of Your law, elevating me beyond this earthly existence. When the righteous see my salvation, they will rejoice, for my hope will be fulfilled. It is entirely just that You have disciplined me, as You do so in faithfulness to Your promises, that I might, through this purification, uphold Your commitment; yet let Your mercy prevail again, bring shame upon my adversaries, and restore those who have wronged the faithful into friendship with me. Oh, how I long to live uprightly, that this prayer of mine might be realized!