THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
In the psalm, you hear the cries of the afflicted individual, whose entire being endures pain across the earth until the culmination of time (cf. Ps. 34). Therefore, dear friends, strive to be a part of this community, as every anguish will ultimately fade. Alas for those who find joy in their plight (cf. Lk. 6:25)! The truth affirms, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matt. 5:4). God took on human form! What could be more blessed than the humanity for whom God chose to become incarnate? May this assurance bring us solace amid the trials and tribulations of our existence. The adversary remains relentless in his efforts, and while he may not act overtly, he lays hidden traps. What is his tactic? ‘And besides, wrath did deceitfully’ (cf. Ps. 34:20).
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This is why he is referred to as both a lion and a dragon. For what is said of Christ? Thou shalt trample on the lion and the dragon (Psalm 90:13). The devil is likened to a lion due to his overt fury, and a dragon owing to the snares he cunningly prepares. Like a dragon, he ousted Adam from paradise, and like a lion, he relentlessly chases after the Church, as Peter warns: ‘Because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). But do not be deceived into thinking the devil has relinquished his ferocity: when he approaches with flattery, he is even more to be feared.
Let not My adversaries celebrate over Me unjustly, for they take delight in My afflictions. They harbor animosity toward Me without reason, as I have never wronged them. They feign innocence (Psalms 34:19), pretending to be sincere, although they have spoken words of genuine peace to Me (Psalms 34:20). What does it mean to wink the eyes? It signifies a façade that reveals what lies not within their hearts. And who are these individuals with deceptive eyes? They have indeed offered Me assurances of peace while harboring deceitful wrath within them.