1. When unholy love ignites the mind and tempts the perishing soul to covet material things, it drags it down into darkness and the depths of despair. In contrast, divine love elevates us towards heavenly pursuits, igniting our spirits with a longing for what is eternal and undying, lifting the soul from the depths of damnation to the heights of heaven. Yet, every form of love possesses its own unique power; the love within the heart of the lover cannot lie dormant—it must focus on something. Are you curious to understand the essence of love? Observe the path it leads you on...
2. This psalm serves as a song of ascent, as we have previously clarified; these ascents are not about descents but rather about elevations. There is a yearning to rise. But where is this elevation directed? It is directed towards heaven. You may wonder, what is this heaven? Is it a desire merely to rise alongside the sun, moon, and stars? Absolutely not! There exists an eternal Jerusalem in the heavens, where our fellow citizens, the angels, reside. Here on earth, we are but travelers from this celestial abode. We groan during our journey, yet we will celebrate in the city. Along this pilgrimage, we encounter a fellow citizen who has already glimpsed this city and beckons us to flee to her. This is a source of joy, as it is said, "I have rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord'" (Psalm 121:1)...
3. Our steps are firmly planted in the courts of Jerusalem (Psalm 121:2). Consider that you shall be there; even while you journey onward, envision it as if you are already standing there, as if you are perpetually rejoicing amidst the angels; as if the promise stated, "Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they will always praise you," is fulfilled in you. Our feet have stood in the courts of Jerusalem. Which Jerusalem? This earthly Jerusalem, although its name is often mentioned, is merely a reflection of the true one. What significance is there in standing in this Jerusalem, if it cannot endure and has crumbled to ruins? Does the Holy Spirit convey this as anything of great worth from the fervent heart of the loving psalmist? Is this not the same Jerusalem to which the Lord lamented, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets..." (Matthew 23:37)? What great desire does he actually have? To stand among those who slay the prophets and stone those sent to them? God forbid he harbors affection for that Jerusalem, while his true longing is for the one he loves, that fervent place he yearns to reach—our Mother, as noted in Galatians 4:26, which Paul declares to be eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1).
4. Jerusalem is built as a city (Psalm 120:3). Brothers and sisters, when David proclaimed these words, that city was not yet established; he speaks of a city that is in the process of being constructed, to which the living stones assemble in faith, for Peter states, "And you also, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5), which signifies the holy temple of God. What does it entail to be living stones? If you have faith, you are alive; and through this faith, you become the temple of God, for the Apostle Paul declares, "The temple of God is holy, and you are that temple" (1 Corinthians 3:17). Therefore, this city is currently being constructed; the stones have been hewn from the hills by the hands of those who proclaim the truth, shaped so they can fit into the eternal structure. There are numerous more stones in the Builder's hands; may they not fall out of His grasp but be perfectly fitted into the temple's framework. Thus, Jerusalem is being built as a city, with Christ as its foundation. The Apostle Paul states there can be no other foundation than that which is laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). When the foundation is set on earth, the walls rise upward, and their weight descends to the lowest parts, as the foundation is beneath. However, if our foundation lies in heaven, we will ascend toward heaven. Human hands have constructed this basilica, as you observe its grandeur; being built by men, the foundation was laid below. Yet, because we are arranged spiritually, our foundation is placed at the highest point. Therefore, let us pursue the place where we may be constructed...
5. But which Jerusalem is under discussion? Is it that visible structure standing upon the wall? No, it is the Jerusalem that is being established as a city. Why refer to it as a city and not merely as a city? Because the walls that have been built in Jerusalem are indeed a tangible city, known by all as such; but it is constructed as a city, as those who enter are akin to living stones—not literal stones themselves. In parallel, the city, termed as a city, is also not just a city; he states it is in the process of being built. The term 'building' indicates the formation and interconnection of bodies and walls. A city is rightly understood to encompass the people who inhabit it. Thus, to state it is being built signifies that it is an actual city. The spiritual structure bears a resemblance to the physical one, thus it is constructed as a city.
6. Let the succeeding words dispel any ambiguity that we should not interpret words carnally whose participation is the same... What is meant by 'the same?' It refers to that which remains constant; not that what exists now may change later. What, then, constitutes the same? That which is eternal... Behold the Same: I AM WHO I AM. You cannot fully grasp, for there is much to comprehend and much yet to be understood. Recall what the incomprehensible One has become for you. Remember the flesh of Christ, to which you were raised when wounded and half-dead from the robbers, that you might be brought to a place of healing. Thus, let us run to the house of the Lord, and reach the city where our feet may stand; a city in the process of being built, whose essence is found in the same...
7. That city which participates in this essence also shares its stability; therefore, justly, as it becomes a participant in stability, it is said of those who run there. For everything stands firm where nothing passes away. Do you wish to stand there and not pass by? Run there. No one possesses stability on their own...
8. For there the knees are lifted (Psalm 120:4). We ponder where the fallen one rises; we noted it is the voice of one being lifted, of a Church ascending. Can we define where this ascension occurs? Where is it heading? It is uplifted there, where the tribes have ascended. Where? To partake of this same essence. But who are the tribes? Many recognize, while others remain unaware. When we utilize the term 'curia' in its proper context, we understand it signifies the councils found in every city, from which the terms ‘curiales’ and ‘decurions’ are derived, referring to citizens of those councils; you know each city possesses such curiae. Within these cities, there existed or still exist popular councils, and in one city, like in Rome, there are multiple popular councils. These correspond to the tribes. According to Jacob's sons, Israel had twelve tribes.
9. There were twelve tribes among the children of Israel; yet some were virtuous and others were wicked. How malicious were those tribes that conspired to crucify our Lord! How righteous were those who acknowledged Him! Those tribes which crucified the Lord then were indeed the tribes of the adversary. Thus, when it is said, "For there the tribes go up," caution is necessary, lest one misunderstand it to mean all tribes; he further clarifies, "even the tribes of the Lord." What are the tribes of the Lord? A testimony to Israel. Listen closely, brethren, to the significance of this. A testimony to Israel, which indicates that this is the genuine Israel... He is someone devoid of deceit. And what did the Lord declare upon witnessing Nathanael? "Here is a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:47). Therefore, if he is a true Israelite, free from guile, those tribes in whom there is no guile are ascending to Jerusalem...
10. What is their purpose in ascending? To glorify Your name, O Lord. This could not be articulated in a more eloquent manner. While pride seeks distinction, humility seeks confession. The presumptuous wish to showcase an identity they do not possess; conversely, the confessor loves being recognized as they truly are. The Israelites, devoid of guile, ascend for this reason, as true Israelites bearing witness for Israel.
11. For in that place, a seat of judgment is established (Psalm 121:5). This presents a profound riddle, a marvelous inquiry when clouds the understanding. It denotes those seats which the Greeks refer to as thrones. Chairs are termed thrones as a designation of honor. Thus, beloved, it is not surprising if we find ourselves seated upon such thrones; yet what do these seats signify? It is as if one were to proclaim: let there be stools or chairs. While we occupy chairs, it is the seats themselves which do not sit. What can this mean, "For there were thrones for judgment"...? If heaven is the throne of God, and the Apostles embody heaven, they stand as the throne of God themselves. Another scripture asserts: "The soul of the righteous is the throne of wisdom." A great truth is declared; the righteous’s soul serves as the throne upon which wisdom resides, passing judgments from there. Thus, thrones of wisdom are formed, as the Lord remarked, "You will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 19:28). They shall indeed sit upon twelve thrones, embodying thrones of God; it is said of them, "For there were seated seats." Who occupies these seats? The seats. Whose seats are they? Those of whom it is stated, "The soul of the righteous is the vessel of wisdom." Who occupies the seats? Heaven. Who is heaven? Heaven itself. What is heaven? That to which the Lord affirms, "Heaven is My throne" (Isaiah 66:1). Thus, the righteous become thrones and sit upon seats, which will be established in that Jerusalem; for what purpose? For judgment. You shall sit upon twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Who will judge whom? Those upon the earth will be judged by those who reflect heaven. And the judges will be divided into two groups: one shall be on the right, the other on the left...
12. He subsequently adds regarding the seats themselves: "Examine what is for peace in Jerusalem" (Psalm 121:6). O ye thrones that now preside in judgment, who have become the thrones of the Lord of Justice (as both judges and those judged inquire). Ask, he suggests, what has been ordained for the peace of Jerusalem. What revelation will they uncover through inquiry? That some have performed acts of mercy while others have not. Those found engaged in these mercies will be called to Jerusalem; for these acts are intended for the peace of Jerusalem. Love is an immense power, my brethren; love is incredible. Do you wish to witness how formidable love is?...
13. If charity finds itself lacking resources and cannot provide much for the poor, let it still express love: even one cup of cold water will matter (Matthew 10:42); it will be accounted as much as Zacchaeus’s generosity, who gave half his wealth to the needy (Luke 19:8). What is the significance of this? One contributed but little, the other much—can the former's offering be weighed equally? It is indeed equitable. Though their resources differ, their charity remains consistent.
THEOSIS