O Lord, restore our fortunes like streams refreshed by the southern winds. Take heed, dear brothers, to the meaning behind this. The scripture has already declared, "When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion." The phrasing suggests a reflection on the past; however, it often occurs that while speaking in a past tense, the Prophet points towards future events. For instance, in another Psalm, he refers to the crucifixion by stating, "They have pierced my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones" (Psalm 21:17). He did not say, "they will pierce" or "they will count" or "they will divide my garments among themselves"; rather, these events were foretold as if already fulfilled because, for God, all that lies ahead is already accomplished.
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Therefore, when the Prophet proclaimed, "Great things the Lord has done for us; we are filled with joy," he indicated that he views the future through the lens of the past. The phrase "Then they will say among the nations" signifies a future affirmation. Although at the time of singing it seemed prophetic, we now experience it as a present reality. Thus, the seer of these forthcoming events petitions for the future under the guise of past events: "Restore our fortunes, O Lord." The restoration of our fortunes has not yet taken place because the Savior has not yet arrived. Hence, what was sought in the Psalms has now been fulfilled. "Restore our fortunes like streams refreshed by the southern winds." Just as the southern winds call forth the streams, so may our fortunes be restored. One may ponder the meaning of this, but we will unveil its significance with God’s guidance through your prayers. In one passage, Scripture asserts, "As ice in a bucket, so shall your sins be released" (Sir. 3:15). We find ourselves shackled by sin. How so? As the cold constricts water, hindering its flow, we have been frozen in the chains of our transgressions. Yet the southern wind brings warmth; when it blows, the ice melts, and the streams become full. These streams, once frozen, will surge with powerful currents when filled by turbulent waters. In our captivity, weighed down by sin, the gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit has come, absolving our offenses and liberating us from the chill of wickedness, just as ice melts under the warmth of the wind. Let us return to our homeland, revitalized like rivers flowing under the southern winds. We have endured long labor in servitude, and now may we strive further in righteousness. This life we live is fraught with difficulties—filled with toil, sickness, struggles, anxieties, and trials. Do not be lured by the fleeting pleasures of human existence; recognize instead its transient and sorrowful nature. When a child is born, the first sound is often a cry rather than laughter. Why is this? They do not yet know joy, but the reality of life brings forth tears. For those who are captives, their tears flow freely here, yet joy is on the horizon.
How did humanity fall into bondage? Let us consider the words of the Apostle Paul, who states: For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin (Romans 7:14). Observe how we have become captives, sold into sin ourselves. Who sold us? We did so willingly, having consented to the deceiver. We had the ability to sell ourselves but lacked the means to redeem ourselves. We sold ourselves because of sin's allure; yet we are redeemed through righteous faith. Innocent blood was shed on our behalf for our redemption. What blood did He shed as He pursued justice? Certainly, it was the blood of the righteous; they were prophets, virtuous individuals, our ancestors, and martyrs—whose blood was shed is a reminder that all stemmed from the taint of sin. He shed one blood, that of the unjust, derived from the just; through this act, He liberated those whom He once held captive. The blood shed for the innocent has led to our redemption, and upon returning from our bondage, we then sing this psalm. When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were as those consoled (Psalm 124:1). This conveys our joy—when was this joy realized? It was when the Lord restored Zion’s captives. What does Zion signify? It refers to Jerusalem, which is also the eternal Zion. What makes Zion eternal, and in what way is Zion captive? It is bound by eternal angels and a people held captive. Not every inhabitant of that city is in bondage; rather, it is those who are separated from it who are captives. A person, once a citizen of Jerusalem, sold into sin, becomes a wanderer. From his lineage, the entire human race emerged, and the captivity of Zion enveloped the earth. In what manner does this captivity of Zion represent the image of Jerusalem? The shadow of that Zion, given to the Jews, was in captivity in Babylon, and after seventy years, the people returned to their homeland. However, when all time has elapsed, we too will return to our true home, just as, after seventy years, the people came back from Babylonian captivity; for Babylon symbolizes this world, interpreted as confusion. This entire human existence is rooted in such confusion, which is not of God. Within this chaos, the land of Zion remains in captivity. Yet the Lord has restored the captives of Zion. Thus, we become as those who are comforted. This signifies that we rejoiced in receiving comfort. Comforting is a gift meant for the sorrowful; it is for those who lament and grieve. How then are we comforted, unless we still feel sorrow? In our weeping over our current condition, we find solace in hope: when the present passes away, our sorrow will yield to eternal joy, where there will be no need for comfort because, devoid of sorrow, we will be healed. But why does it say "as those who are comforted" rather than "those who are comforted"? The term "as" does not solely denote similarity; it can indicate real circumstance as well—here, it pertains to a genuine case. Therefore, walk in Christ, and sing in joy, rejoicing as one who is comforted; for He who commanded you to follow Him has gone before you.
Then our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues were filled with joyous singing (Psalm 124:2). Brethren, how is our physical mouth filled with joy? It can be filled only with food, drink, or similar items. While our mouths might be full, we cannot speak when they are. Yet we possess an inner mouth, that which resides in the heart, from which all flows—if it is evil, we are defiled; if it is good, we are cleansed. It is from these mouths that you heard during the Gospel reading; the Jews rebuked the Lord because His disciples dined with unwashed hands. They chastised those who appeared pure externally while being stained within. They condemned those whose righteousness was merely an outward show. However, the Lord sought our inner purification, and if we possess that, our outside must reflect that purity. Cleanse, He states, the inside, and the outside will also be pure (Matthew 23:26).
Let us return to the Gospel passage we just heard, which relates perfectly to the verse that precedes us: "Our mouths were filled with joy, and our tongues with gladness"—what do we mean by mouth and tongue? Consider this, beloved brethren. The Lord was dismissed because His disciples ate without ceremonial washing. The Lord fittingly responded and said to those gathered, "Hear and understand: it is not that which enters the mouth that defiles a man, but that which comes out of the mouth" (Matthew 15:10-11). What does this imply? When He discusses what enters the mouth, He refers solely to the physical mouth. For food enters, and it does not defile; all things are clean to the clean; every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if received with gratitude (1 Timothy 4:4).
Guard the mouth of your heart from evil, and you shall be innocent; your bodily tongue shall be innocent, your hands shall be innocent; your feet, your eyes, and your ears shall all be innocent; every part of you shall serve in righteousness because a righteous leader reigns in your heart. Then it will be declared among the nations: The Lord has done great things for them.
Indeed, the Lord has already accomplished great things for us, hence we rejoice (Psalm 124:3). Reflect, my brethren, whether Zion is not proclaiming this among the Gentiles around the world; are not people flocking to the Church? The entirety of the world is accepting our redemption; the response is "Amen." Therefore, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the captives yearning for return, the pilgrims longing for their homeland, speak among the Gentiles. What do they declare? The Lord has done great things for us, and this fills us with joy. Did they achieve anything of their own accord? Rather, they have brought ruin upon themselves by selling themselves into sin. The Redeemer arrived and performed good on their behalf.
"Restore our fortunes, O Lord, as the streams in the south" (Psalm 125:4). Consider the meaning of this. Just as the streams turn in the south, may our captivity be restored. In certain scripture, it states that by encouraging us to perform good works, our sins will dissipate like ice when the weather warms (Sirach 3:17). Our sins have ensnared us; how? Like cold that freezes water and hinders its flow. Entrapped by the frost of our sins, we are immobilized. However, a south wind symbolizes warmth; when it blows, the ice melts, and the streams overflow. The winter torrents, after sudden rains, surge forth with great vigor. In similar fashion, we find ourselves frozen in captivity; our sins bind us; but with the breath of the Holy Spirit, our sins are pardoned, freeing us from the chill of wickedness; like ice waters in warm weather, our sins dissolve. Let us race towards our homeland like the rivers in the south.
The following words state, "He who sows with tears will reap with joy" (Psalm 126:5). In this life of sorrow, let us sow. What shall we sow? Good works. The acts of mercy we perform are the seeds sown. As the Apostle reminds us, "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:9). What does He say regarding almsgiving? He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly (2 Corinthians 9:6). Therefore, he who sows generously will also reap abundantly; he who does not sow will reap nothing at all. Why do you strive for abundant possessions where you have the opportunity to sow abundantly? There is no broader field to cultivate than in Christ, who desires that we invest in Him. Your field is the Church; sow as generously as you are able. But you may lack means. Do you possess the will to give? What you have would count for little without a good will; do not despair for what you lack if you have a noble desire. What do you sow for? Charity. And what will you harvest? Peace. Did the angels proclaim: "peace on earth to the affluent"? No, but: "Peace on earth to those of good will" (Luke 2:14). Zacchaeus had a fervent will, and he exercised great mercy (Luke 19:8). Did the widow who contributed two small coins into the treasury sow little? No, neither did Zacchaeus. Though her means were limited, her will was equal to his. She offered her two mites (Luke 21:1-4) with the same willingness that Zacchaeus offered half of his wealth. If you consider their offerings, you see a difference; yet, if you inspect the source, you find them equal. She offered what she had, and he offered what he had.
If beneficiaries of almsgiving, whose primary purpose is to seek help, still possess something to share in times of trouble. God has not left them without means to be tested through the practice of charity. This man cannot walk; yet he who can, offers his feet to the lame; he who sees, gives his sight to the blind; the young and healthy offer their strength to the elderly or infirm, enabling them to move forward—in this, one is in want, the other has abundance.
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