They are individuals who, although they grasp spiritual truths to the extent possible for humanity, descend to teach the inexperienced, providing them with 'milk' so they might eventually be strong enough to receive solid spiritual nourishment.
When an individual begins their journey upward—more simply put, when a Christian contemplates spiritual transformation—they often encounter resistance in the form of adversaries. Those who have not yet faced such challenges have not made significant progress, and those who cannot withstand them are not truly committed to their growth. If one wishes to understand this notion, they must also endure the criticisms thrown at us. They must embark on self-reformation, yearning for ascension, learning to value fleeting worldly pursuits less, focusing solely on God, relishing in neither abundance nor lack, and embracing the idea of selling their possessions to share with the poor and follow Christ; only then will they see how they withstand the barbs of detractors and potentially worse—misguided advisors who divert them from salvation.
The elevated individual first seeks God’s aid against these voices, as expressed in Psalm 118:1, "When I was in trouble, I called upon the Lord; and He heard me." Why did He answer him? So that He might elevate him upon the steps of ascension. "Deliver my soul, O Lord, from unrighteous lips, and from an evil tongue," says Psalm 119:2. What constitutes a deceitful tongue? It presents itself as counsel yet embodies the curse of true evil. Such are those who question, "Will you adopt what seems impossible?" Will you stand alone as a Christian?
Some become disheartened by false justifications, while others are further discouraged by unwarranted praise. Such is the state of this world for a considerable time, that the power of Christ is so formidable that even those outside the faith hesitate to criticize Him. Those whom they cannot censure, they read; they cannot refute Christ or His gospel, for He stands unassailable. Yet, a deceitful tongue may disguise itself as praise, which becomes a stumbling block. When you uplift someone, encourage them; do not let your praise deter genuine acknowledgment.
You may change your justification yet again, using empty praise to shift me from true praise; furthermore, by lauding Christ, you distance me from Him, exclaiming, "What is this?" Here, these individuals engage in a subtle trap: you might feel incapable, leading you to stumble on your ascent—a warning akin to a serpent's deception found in a lying tongue filled with poison. Pray against such forces if you wish to rise.
And your Lord asked you, "What shall they give you, or what offer will you accept against the evil tongue?" Psalm 119:3. What can you receive—weaponry against falsehood, to defend yourself against deceit? What will they propose? He invites you to assess, and indeed, He answers His own inquiry even concerning the sharp arrows of the Mighty One and the coals that devastate (Psalm 119:4). Desolating, as indicated, leads to ruin. What are these coals? First, dear friends, grasp what arrows symbolize. The sharp arrows of the Mighty One are the words of God. What do the coals signify? It is insufficient to merely intercede with words against deceit and unrighteous lips; one must also embody righteousness through action.
Thus, the term 'coals' alludes to the transformative examples of those who have repented and turned to the Lord. You might hear people express amazement, saying, “I once knew that person, steeped in vice, a connoisseur of vice, but now he serves God, embodying innocence." Do not marvel; he is a burning coal. You rejoice that he who once seemed lost is now revitalized. But when you laud the living, apply your praise even to those still in darkness, igniting their spirits. Whoever is yet hesitant to embrace God can be likened to an extinguished coal; receive the arrow of the Word of God and a revitalizing ember to confront the evil tongue and deceitful mouth.
"Alas, that my sojourn has become distant!" cries the Psalmist, who expresses that his journeys have led him away from the divine presence. He has not yet arrived at a haven where he can dwell free from evildoers; he has yet to reach the assembly of Angels, where he will fear no offense. But why has he not arrived? Because the sojourn is an expedition. An alien is one who resides in a foreign realm rather than in their homeland. When does this journey feel distant? Sometimes, dear brethren, an individual may experience a beneficial journey among those of higher moral standards than those found in their homeland; however, this is not the case when moving away from the heavenly Jerusalem.
For one might change their earthly address, which can lead to goodness and the discovery of faithful companions absent in their original land. Driven away by enemies from their home, they find kinship in travel, yet not so with Jerusalem, where all are virtuous. He who departs from this place dwells amongst the wicked and cannot escape their presence until he returns to the company of angels, reclaiming the state he once possessed. There, everyone embodies righteousness and holiness, savoring the Word of God without written instructions; for what reaches us through scripture is perceived there through the very Face of God. What a glorious homeland! Truly, it is a vast and wonderful land, and wretched are the wanderers who venture from it.
When he laments, "My pilgrimage is far off," he echoes the plight of the Church enduring life on this earth. This is her voice resonating from the distant corners of the earth, as expressed in another Psalm, asserting, "From the ends of the earth I have cried unto Thee." Where does the Church endure its groaning? "I dwelt among the tents of Kedar." You may not recognize the term, but Kedar—translating from Hebrew—means darkness; indeed, the Latin term for it is 'tenebrae.' We remember that Abraham had two sons whom the Apostle mentions as prototypes of the two covenants. Thus, Ishmael embodies darkness, while Isaac represents light. Those who seek earthly happiness within God’s church align with Ishmael.
These individuals often oppose those striving for spiritual growth, with dishonest tongues and unrighteous hearts. Against them, the Psalmist prayed for strength, for he was equipped with scorching coals and the swift arrows of the Almighty. He still exists among them until the earth is fulfilled, thus declaring, “I dwelt among the tents of Kedar.” The encampments of Ishmael correspond to Kedar. Genesis confirms that Kedar belongs to Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). Therefore, Isaac coexists with Ishmael; those aligned with Isaac find themselves amidst Ishmael’s kin. Galatians reminds us that while some yearn to ascend, others seek to drag them down; some aspire to soar toward God, while others strive to clip their wings.
"My soul has wandered much," he states in Psalm 119:6. To clarify, he speaks of the soul's wandering, not the body's. The body takes on various locations, while the soul may drift in its affections. If you yearn for earthly pleasures, you drift away from God; but if you cherish God, you draw closer to Him. Let us cultivate love for both God and our neighbors to foster charity. If we fall, we risk withering and perishing. Yet, one has come to uplift the fallen; he referenced his state of wandering, inhabiting the tents of Kedar. Why? Because my soul has wandered deeply—it ascends through the heart.
"I was at peace with those who detest the world," says Psalm 119:7. Yet, no matter how attentively you listen, beloved brethren, true understanding of our song is only realized through action. No matter how often I articulate it or explore its facets, it will not penetrate the heart of one in whom it is not alive. Engage in deeds and witness our message coming alive. Tears will flow for each word; the Psalm will be sung when the heart aligns with its essence.
Who are these that loathe the world? They are those who promote unity. For if they did not revile worldly ways, they would coexist harmoniously. Their separation stems from a desire for righteousness, lest they mix with the ungodly. These words are either ours or theirs; make your choice. The Catholic Church proclaims, "Unity must prevail; the Church of God must not be severed." In doing so, God will discern the just from the unjust.
We, too, say, "Embrace the world, love Christ." For if anyone cherishes the world, they inherently love Christ. Thus, when we say, "Love the world," we are, in essence, declaring, "Love Christ." Why? Because the apostle says of Christ: "He is our peace, who hath made both one," according to Ephesians 2:14. Therefore, if Christ is peace, uniting two into one, how can you justify being divided? How can you foster peace if, in Christ’s unification of the two, you create division?
Yet, by professing truth, we strive to be peacemakers alongside those who oppose the world; however, those who detest the world will declare war against us in vain when we speak to them.
THEOSIS