THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
We entered this world and became part of God's people at a time when the mustard seed had already expanded its branches, and the once insignificant leaven had transformed three measures, symbolizing the entirety of the inhabited earth, a legacy from the three sons of Noah. From every direction—east and west, north and south—those destined to share in the heritage of the patriarchs will gather, while those who share their flesh but lack their faith will face exclusion. We have opened our eyes to the glory of the Church of Christ, and we have encountered the barren one, for whom joy was foretold, who would ultimately bear more children than she had a husband. We might find ourselves astonished when we read prophecies that speak of Christ's humiliation or our own.
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These words may resonate less with us because we have not yet reached the time when they were felt deeply, and hence our sorrow may increase. Nonetheless, reflecting upon the multitude of sorrows, we observe the narrow path we tread, which, fraught with trials and tribulations, leads to eternal rest. What is often deemed happiness in worldly terms should be approached with caution, for misfortunes can yield goodness from grief, whereas worldly happiness can corrupt the soul with false security, allowing the tempter, the devil, to take hold. Therefore, we must judge wisely, acknowledging that human existence is a trial, and no one can claim absolute safety until they reach that land from which none emerge, nor can enter. Acknowledging our adversary, we recognize amidst the splendor of the Church the cries of our affliction. As members of Christ, bound together in love and supporting one another, let us affirm with the Psalms what was once proclaimed by the martyrs who preceded us: tribulation is a shared experience for all humanity from start to finish.
The title of the psalm reads: ‘To the end, for those who would undergo transformation, to David himself.’ Concerning our transformation for the better, understand that change can either be for the worse or for the better. If we are altered for the worse, we must reflect on our own actions; if for the better, we should offer praise to God. This psalm is for those desiring change, and what has brought forth this transformation? It comes through the Passion of Christ. The term "Easter" in Latin denotes a passage. The notion of Passover is derived not from Greek but from Hebrew, while in Greek, it draws a parallel to "Passion," as π-σχειν signifies suffering; however, the Hebrew conveys a deeper meaning of an intimate passage. This is summed up by John the Theologian, who, shortly before the Passion, states: "But when the hour had come for Jesus to pass from this world to the Father." He explains the passage of the Passover. Had He not transitioned to the Father for our sake, how could we pass from here, if nothing had come down but fallen? Yet He did not fall but descended solely to lift up those who had. Thus, both His transition and ours is from this world to the Father, from mortal to eternal life, from earthly existence to heavenly existence, from temporal life to everlasting life, from proximity to tribulations to eternal security. Hence, concerning those who are to be transformed, this serves as the psalm's heading. Let us observe, united in understanding, empathy, and consciousness, the cause of our transformation—the Passion of the Lord and our shared tribulations as expressed in the psalm. Together, let us sigh and be altered, fulfilling the psalm’s title, ‘Of those who change.’