THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
The melodies we have sung resonate more within us than merely being declared outwardly. Indeed, the Truth calls out to humanity as though from a great assembly, proclaiming, “If you truly speak righteousness, judge righteously, O sons of men” (Ps. 57:1). For what unrighteous person does not readily proclaim the truth? Or who among us, when asked about fairness and lacking a valid reason, cannot easily articulate what is just? This divine truth has been inscribed in our hearts by our Creator: “What you would not have done to yourself, do not do to another” (Tob. 4:15). Even prior to the establishment of the Law, no individual was exempt from this knowledge, providing a standard for judgment even to those untouched by the Law's decree.
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To prevent complaints of lacking guidance, the written tablets revealed what they had failed to recognize in their hearts. Those truths were there, yet many chose not to acknowledge them. Before their eyes lay what their consciences would have compelled them to confront. Just as if they heard the voice of God externally, the human spirit was brought into awareness, as Scripture asserts, “For there shall be doubt in the thoughts of a wicked man” (Prem. 1:9). Where questions arise, there also exists a law. However, due to mankind's longing for material things, they became estranged even from themselves, leading to the establishment of the written law. This was not because it was absent from their hearts, but rather because they had turned from its guidance. Consequently, they find themselves under the gaze of Him who encompasses all, being encouraged to return to their true selves (Rom. 2:15).
Thus, what does the written law proclaim to those who have abandoned the internal decree inscribed on their hearts? “Bring back the lawless in heart” (Is. 46:8). For who has instructed you to prevent another man from approaching your spouse? Who has taught you that no theft should be inflicted upon you? Who has imparted the notion that you must not endure injustice, or conveyed any other similar moral imperative? Many individuals, when questioned, assert loudly that they would not tolerate such wrongs. Let us ponder, if you would not endure these acts, do you think you are uniquely different from others? Do you not partake in the human community? Those created alongside you are your neighbors, all made in God's image (Genesis 1:26), unless they let earthly distractions obscure this divine nature. Thus, do not inflict upon others what you would abhor being done to yourself. Your belief that certain actions are evil arises from your unwillingness to endure them; this realization is forced upon you by an internal moral law deeply etched in your hearts. You commit an act, and a cry emanates from your hands: how can you be compelled to return to your heart when you tolerate it on behalf of others? Is theft virtuous? No! I ask you: is adultery commendable? All respond with a resounding No! Is murder justified? All denounce it vehemently. Is it acceptable to covet your neighbor's belongings? No! This is the consensus of humanity. Yet, if you have not yet admitted this, consider how you would react if someone sought to encroach upon your property: kindly share your sentiments. When pressed, all proclaim that such actions are wrong.
Moreover, regarding the importance of good deeds, not only in refraining from harm but in generosity and sharing, consider this: you experience hunger, while another has more bread than he needs and is aware of your plight, but does not offer help. This refusal is distasteful to you when you feel hunger, and it is equally disquieting when you are full, yet hear of another's starvation. A stranger arrives in your land seeking safety, and he is turned away. He cries out how inhumane this city is, lamenting that he finds acceptance even among those considered barbaric. He understands the injustice through his suffering; you may not feel it, yet it's natural to envision yourself as a stranger too. You would recognize his sorrow as your own if you denied what you would willingly give to someone in your home. I ask all: Is this true? Yes, it is true. Are these matters just? Certainly. But heed the Psalm: “Therefore, if you truly speak justice, judge justly, O sons of men.” Let your justice manifest not only in speech but in action. Failing to act in accordance with your declarations transforms your affirmations into empty words, even as they attempt to pass for veritable judgment.
Now, let us turn our attention to our present circumstances. This sweet voice, so intimately recognized by the Church, is none other than that of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Body, the Church itself, striving amidst the perils of humanity, surrounded by maligning and sycophantic influences. Do not fear the threats posed by those who seek to deceive you with flattery. He, of whom this voice speaks, has noted that all men speak righteously. For who among us would dare speak otherwise, lest they be deemed unjust? Thus, as He seems to hear the murmurs and pronouncements of humanity, He announces, “If you truly speak justly, and if your assertions are genuine and not cloaked in deceit: judge rightly, O sons of men.” Listen to the Gospel's clarity echoed in this Psalm: “Hypocrites,” declares the Lord to the Pharisees, “how can you speak good things when you are evil? ...Either make the tree good, and the fruit thereof good; or make the tree evil, and the fruit thereof evil” (Matthew 12:33-34). Why persist in your attempts to present a pleasing exterior? I am aware of your inner being; I am not misled by your façades. I know what you harbor; I see what you hide. For He requires no man to testify on humanity's behalf; He knows what is within each person (Jn. 2:25). He comprehends the depths of man, having made man and become man, seeking to redeem us all...