They are those who, though they possess a degree of spiritual understanding, still reach out to the naïve, offering foundational truths so that they, nurtured with the milk of the word, may grow strong enough to embrace solid spiritual nourishment.
When a person begins to contemplate their spiritual elevation, they will likely encounter adversity from critics. A person who has not faced such opposition has not advanced in their journey; those who cannot bear the criticism are not genuinely seeking improvement. If someone wishes to understand this fully, let them first experience the scorn directed at us. As they embark on their path of self-reform, yearning for spiritual ascent, they should learn to disdain worldly, temporary pleasures, regard earthly happiness as insignificant, and dedicate themselves solely to God—refraining from seeking gain and not grieving over loss, even willing to relinquish all they own for the sake of following Christ. Let them witness how they withstand the barbs of slanderers and the greater peril of misguided advisers who threaten their salvation.
He who is lifted high begins by praying to God against such tongues of opposition. As the Psalmist declares, “When I was in trouble, I called upon the Lord; and He heard me” (Psalm 118:1). Why did He respond? So He might elevate him on the path of ascension. The Psalmist cries, "Deliver my soul, O Lord, from unrighteous lips, and from an evil tongue" (Psalm 119:2). What constitutes a deceitful tongue? It mimics counsel but carries the venom of true malice. Such people may question, “Will you attempt what no man has done? Will you be the only follower of Christ?” Some are discouraged by rationalizations, while others falter under flattery. The power of Christ is so immense that even those outside the faith hesitate to accuse Him. While they cannot condemn Christ, they can read His teachings. They cannot deny the truth of the Gospel; instead, they may use false praise to distract. If you commend, do so encouragingly. Why dilute true encouragement with insincere flattery?
They may employ another excuse, aiming to divert me from genuine praise by insincere commendations of Christ, questioning, “What does this mean?” Such individuals may assert that one is unable to rise while attempting to do so, leading to a fall. It serves as a warning; it is a serpent with venom in its tongue. Pray against it if you wish to ascend. The Lord inquires, “What shall they give you, or what shall they offer you against the evil tongue?" (Psalm 119:3). What shall be provided—choices of weapons against deceitful speech to safeguard against them? It is a call to examine; for He will answer His own query. He provides an answer even to the piercing arrows of the Mighty One, with coals that bring desolation (Psalm 119:4). The terms ‘desolating’ or ‘devastating’ bear a similar essence—desolation often arises from destruction. What are these coals? First, dear friends, recognize what the sharp arrows are. The sharp arrows of the Mighty One signify the words of God.
What then are the coals that devastate? It is insufficient to merely plead with words against the deceptive tongue; we must also support our prayers with example. Thus, 'coals' symbolizes the testimonies of many sinners who transformed their lives before God. You hear exclamations of astonishment: “I knew that person—so given to drink, so treacherous, so captivated by entertainment—look how he now serves God, how innocent he appears!” Do not be surprised; he is a burning coal. You rejoice because he whom you once thought lost is alive. But in praising the living, if you know how to do so with integrity, let it extend also to the lost so that it might ignite their spirits. For those still slow to pursue God, consider them as smoldering coals, and take up the arrows of God’s word as well as the coals of His transformative power, to contend against the deceitful tongue and malicious lips.
"Oh, how my pilgrimage has become distant!" (Psalm 119:5). I have strayed far from Thee; my journey has become separated. I have yet to arrive at that realm where I will no longer dwell with any evildoer. I have not yet reached the heavenly assembly, where no fear of transgression exists. But why have I not yet arrived? Because this journey is a pilgrimage. An alien is one who resides in a foreign land and not his homeland. However, sometimes when traveling abroad, one may find better company than in his own land; yet, this is not true when one strays far from the Heavenly Jerusalem. A person may change their location and find beneficial companionship while traveling, but this is not the case for those who depart from the holy city, where all are virtuous.
When one departs from there, they exist among the wicked, and the only way to escape their influence is through returning to the company of angels—returning to where one began before their journey. In that place, all are righteous and holy, enjoying the word of God without the need for texts; for that which is inscribed for us in part is fully perceived there in the fullness of God. What a land it is! Truly a magnificent land, and miserable are those who stray from it.
“I have sojourned far away,” reflects the sentiments of the Church laboring here on earth. Her voice cries from the remotest regions, declaring, "From the ends of the earth I have cried unto Thee..." Where does she find herself in sorrow? She has resided among the tents of Kedar. If you are unfamiliar with the term, understand that Kedar translates to darkness. Abraham had two sons, as the Apostle indicates; they symbolize the two covenants. Ishmael represents darkness, while Isaac embodies light. Anyone seeking earthly pleasure within the Church of God aligns with Ishmael. These individuals oppose and scorn true spiritual advancement, possessing deceitful tongues and malignant mouths. Against such opposition, the Psalmist posed prayers and was armed with fiery coals and the swift, sharp arrows of the Almighty. Thus, he continues to dwell among them until the whole world is harvested; therefore, he states, “I dwelt among the tents of Kedar.” The dwellings of Ishmael are indeed called the tents of Kedar, as recorded in Genesis: Kedar belongs to Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). Those who are Isaac's children coexist with those of Ishmael (Galatians 4:29). Some aspire to ascend higher, while others attempt to pull them down; some wish to rise toward God, while others strive to clip their wings.
“Our souls have wandered greatly” (Psalm 119:6). To clarify, he speaks not of a physical journey but of a wandering of the soul. The body may wander through various locations, yet the soul strays in its affections. If one's heart clings to the earth, it withdraws from God; however, if one loves God, their spirit ascends toward Him. Let us nurture our love for God and our neighbor so that we may return to genuine charity. Should we forsake love, we wither and perish. Yet One descended to reach the fallen and help them rise again. Reflecting on his times of wandering, he spoke of dwelling among the tents of Kedar. Why? Because his soul has been in deliberation. It ascends not in body, but in spirit. Where does this ascent occur? He remarks that it takes place within the heart.
“I was at peace with those who hate the world” (Psalm 119:7). Yet, beloved brethren, no matter how often you hear this, you cannot confirm how wholeheartedly you truly sing unless you actively embody your song. Regardless of how often I repeat it or explain it, or whatever phrases I use to convey it, if it does not resonate within the heart, it will not take root. Step into action and witness the words come to life. Then, tears will flow with every phrase, the psalm will be sung, and the heart will express what the psalm conveys. Who, then, are those who despise the world? They are those who seek to uphold unity. For if they actually detest the world, they would live in harmony and would not separate themselves, so as not to mingle with the wicked. The words belong either to us or to them—decide which. The Catholic Church asserts, “We must not lose unity; the Church of God should not be divided.” God will ultimately judge both the righteous and the wicked.
Moreover, we proclaim, love the world, love Christ. If one loves the world, they truly love Christ. Thus, when we say, “Love the world,” we mean “Love Christ.” Why? The Apostle states, “He is our peace, who hath made both one” (Ephesians 2:14). If Christ brings peace and reconciles two into one, how can you, who have been made one through Him, divide into two? If Christ unites, then be peacemakers instead of creating discord. Though we advocate this, those who oppose the worldly ways may declare war against us, yet their efforts are futile.
THEOSIS