Psalm 16 (15):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The bravery of the Apostles and martyrs stands apart from that of the brave in other arenas, and the purity of Joseph differs from that of others. Consequently, one who is struck by their examples becomes acutely aware of their own frailty, recognizing their deficiencies in light of Divinity and Sovereignty. When shortcomings grow in the righteous, they quickly turn to repentance before God.

This does not negate the fact that miracles are said to have occurred solely in the land of God, as they were also performed in the region of Taneos, that is, in Egypt (see Psalms 77:12). There is indeed a significant distinction between the miracles of Moses and those of Joshua. There, they were fleeing from Egypt; here, they were entering Judah. There, they were escaping Pharaoh; here, they were securing servants. There, the miracles involved frogs, lice, dogs, hail, and darkness; here, it was commanding the sun and moon. In that place, God led the people with a pillar of cloud and fire; here, the Saviour Himself seems to appear, bearing a sword and demonstrating His willingness to fight for His army. Can you perceive how much greater the wonders in the promised land are compared to those in Egypt or the wilderness? We can understand the land of God as the Church: to the saints within it, all of God's desires appear miraculous. Yet to those outside of it, nothing is recognized as miraculous. Therefore, may we also dwell in the land of God, may we be conformed to the image of the Saviour, and may He make all His desires wondrous within us.

Ultimately, the saints can also represent the apostles and those who came to believe in Christ through their ministry, who, according to the divine will, escaped numerous perils and the threat of death. In this context, the term 'earth' refers to the Church, to which they belong. The purpose behind God's revelation of His wondrous works to the saints is further clarified, demonstrating that wherever God's will is made known, He is invariably present, overseeing and guiding our actions.

He seeks to align himself with the saints of God, aspiring to be in fellowship with them as all children of God should be united in brotherly love, thereby honoring our heavenly Father with shared love and devotion. Recognizing his own unworthiness to offer anything to God, who has given him everything, he clings to the saints, knowing that God desires to be glorified through them. These saints have been chosen and embraced by God, intending that through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they may dwell in unity. From this, we discern that nothing brings greater delight to God than our heartfelt connection to the community of believers, fostering a bond of holiness that nurtures brotherly love among us. This is the essence of the communion of saints, which sets us apart from the impurities of the world, designating us as God's treasured possession. They are called saints on earth because they reflect His image, encouraging us to emulate their way of life. They are also called marvelous for the wondrous works the Lord accomplishes through them, revealing His will that they faithfully executed and shared with us. Such individuals include prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, shepherds, and teachers, among others.

Equally astonishing is His mighty power, evident in His guidance: consider how the Lord provides for Abraham’s descendants; how He rescues Joseph; and how He shields David from King Saul's pursuit. In all these instances, His divine handiwork is evident; yet it is even more apparent in the grace at work within the heart: we observe the most hardened sinners responding to Christ's call; the most arrogant scholars yielding to the apostolic message; the most depraved individuals turning away from evil and embracing the cross. And what brilliance is displayed in the transformation of a sinner! "Marvel at Your thoughts toward me," sings St. David. If the wonder of God's intellect is displayed in the creation of humanity, it becomes even more pronounced in the salvation of sinners. This is better understood through personal experience. The Lord's intentions become a source of amazement in the faithful. The aspirations of the saints align with God's desires. Observe how astonishing these aspirations are! The saints are invited to royal banquets and offered prestige, yet they seek a solitary wilderness, simple bread; the tormentor promises every pleasure, yet they yearn for a martyr's death! Who would not be amazed by this? Ultimately, offer them anything earthly or even heavenly, but not God. They would reject everything, desiring nothing but the one true Lord. What have I on earth, and what do I seek in heaven, except my portion is God forever.