Now, consider the next assertion: "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 117:2). It appears that no other group of the blessed is referenced here apart from the one already noted. To abide by the testimonies of the Lord and to earnestly seek Him is, indeed, to be blameless on this path—this is to walk in the Lord's law. He continues, “For they that do evil shall not walk in His ways” (Psalm 118:3). Yet we recognize that those who engage in wrongdoing often scrutinize the Lord's testimonies, preferring knowledge over righteousness; similarly, others explore these testimonies not out of righteous living but to discover the path of virtue. Such individuals do not yet walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord, and consequently, they have not attained blessing.
It is expressed plainly in this psalm: "The evildoers do not walk in His ways" (Psalm 118:3). However, we must strive, with the grace of God, in whose hands we and our words reside (Wisdom 7:16), to ensure that what is rightly stated is not misinterpreted. We should be cautious that all saints—whose words declare, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8-9)—are either perceived as forsaking the Lord’s paths, since sin is wickedness and those who commit it do not walk therein, or erroneously deemed as sinless, which is undoubtedly untrue. This statement is not merely to avoid arrogance; otherwise, it would have concluded with “humility is not in us.” The subsequent phrases clarify the intention and remove uncertainty. After asserting this, blessed John added, "If we confess our sins, He, being faithful and just, will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
What does it mean, “You have accused us of keeping Your commandments too strictly?” (Psalm 118:4). Did you take a large sum or give away too much? In either interpretation, the implication seems contrary to the notable and virtuous saying esteemed by the Greeks, and similarly cherished by the Romans: "Do nothing excessively." Yet, the Latin tongue sometimes uses the term "nimis" in a manner that resonates deeply, conveying a significant meaning. Thus, in this statement, if we say to a cherished friend, "I love you too much," we do not imply an excess but a profound depth of affection.
Oh, if, he expresses, my paths might be made straight so that I could keep Your decrees (Psalm 118:5). You have indeed taken on the burden; if only I could recognize what You have taken upon Yourself. When you hear this, acknowledge the desire in these words and, upon understanding the longing, cast aside the arrogance of presumption. For who can truly desire what is within their capability to accomplish alone? Therefore, if one wishes to adhere to what God commands, they ought to beseech Him for help in fulfilling these commands.
And I shall not be ashamed as long as I observe all Your commandments (Psalm 118:6). When we reflect on God's commandments, whether during their reading or remembrance, we should do so as one might gaze into a mirror. As the apostle James points out (James 1:23-25), this individual seeks to align themselves so that they can look upon God’s mandates without confusion. They strive not merely to hear them but to act upon them. For this reason, they hope for straightened paths to truly keep the statutes of God. But how can straightness be achieved without the grace of God? Otherwise, looking into the law leads not to joy but to perplexity if one is not willing to accept its guidance.
“I will confess to You, O Lord, with the sincerity of my heart; in this, I shall know the judgments of Your righteousness” (Psalm 117:7). This confession is not about sins but rather about praise; as He notes, "I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25) and as stated in Ecclesiasticus: "So confess all the works of God, that they are very good" (Sirach 39:15-16). When he proclaims, I confess to You according to the integrity of my heart, if my ways are aligned, it indicates I will acknowledge You, as it is Your work that deserves recognition, not mine.
He subsequently adds, “I will keep Your decrees” (Psalm 118:8). But what ensues? “O leave me not even too much!” or, in some versions, “not even excessively.” Yet, since God withdrew from a world lost in sin, unless supported by the powerful remedy of grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, He might have abandoned it entirely; instead, per this prayer of Christ’s body, God did not forsake it even too much, for it is written, "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).
THEOSIS