Psalm 73 (72):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why do children, mere infants, often fall prey to demonic forces, endure maladies like leprosy or jaundice, while the wicked, including adulterers, murderers, and blasphemers thrive in health and robust strength? Meanwhile, scripture assures us that a father’s iniquity will not be passed on to his child, and that the soul of the sinner will perish. If it remains true that the sins of the fathers bear fruit in the lives of their children (Ex. 34:7), then it seems unjust to punish an innocent child for the multitude of sins committed by a father. I lament, I have purified my heart in vain; I have worn myself out with innocence and have experienced suffering all day long (Psalm 72:13-14). (Ps. 72: 13-14). Nevertheless, in reflection, I found myself in agreement with the prophet, asserting, ‘I cannot comprehend this; it weighs heavily upon me until I enter the sanctuary of God and gain understanding of their end’ (vv. 16-17). (vv. 16-17). For the judgments of the Lord are profound and unfathomable! As it is also proclaimed, oh, the depth of the riches, wisdom, and knowledge of God! His judgments are beyond investigation, and his ways past finding out (Rom. 11:33).

Would anyone receive the victor’s crown before the contest concludes? The Apostle Paul rightly asserts: I have fought the good fight, I have completed my course, I have maintained the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will grant me on that day; and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His return. He emphasizes that this reward will be given on that day, not in the present. Here, in toil, danger, and shipwreck, he contended valiantly, understanding that entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven is attained through much tribulation. Therefore, no one can obtain a prize unless they have fought according to the rules. A glorious triumph cannot occur without preceding trials.

Is it fair for someone to receive a reward even before the race is run? Thus, the Lord teaches in the Gospel: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. St. Ambrose interprets these words to refer to material poverty, as the poor often turn to God in their trials. The Lord does not proclaim: Blessed are the wealthy, but rather blessed are the poor. By divine decree, true blessedness commences where human judgment perceives misfortune. Blessed are those who hunger, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall find comfort. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people revile and persecute you, and utter falsehoods against you for My sake. Celebrate and rejoice, for great is your reward in heaven. He promises this reward in the future, not presently, in heaven, not on earth. Why then do you seek your due here, where it is meant to be received there? Why do you ask for a crown before fighting valiantly? Why do you wish to cleanse yourself prematurely? The athletes engaged in competition often did so unclothed, cleaning themselves only after the struggle had concluded. Why yearn for rest or indulge before the challenge is complete?

The metaphor of the athlete pervades the letters of the Apostle Paul. The faithful witnesses are still observing the contest, while you seek to rest? You may inquire, why do the wicked experience joy? Why do they indulge without working? Those not striving for victory do not feel the urge to exert themselves. The indifferent do not prepare nor exert effort in their endeavors. Wrestlers would anoint themselves with oil prior to their match so opponents couldn’t grasp them; discus throwers applied sand to their hands to prevent the discus from slipping. Those seeking fame risk disappointment. The privileged, protected by ease, tend not to battle the elements nor endure hardships. The competitors encourage, “Come join us!” Yet the spectators retort, “We prefer to observe from a distance, allowing you to claim glory without our help.”

Those who pursue pleasures, indulgences, theft, and accolades are mere spectators, not contenders. They may benefit from their actions but lack the rewards of virtue. Preferring idleness, they amass wealth through cunning and deceit but will eventually face consequences for their dishonor. Their rest awaits in the realm of the dead, while yours is promised in heaven; their dwelling is in the grave, while yours is eternal life. Job insightfully remarked that they dwell in the grave yet remain awake, unable to find the solace of sleep that those who have risen enjoy.

Therefore, do not think, speak, or reason like a child. Do not demand what is beyond your maturity. Only those who are perfect are worthy of the crown. Await the arrival of perfection, so that you may behold truth clearly, not in a dim reflection, but face to face. This will disclose why the dishonorable appear wealthy and powerful, and why they seem to enjoy accolades.

To the thief, it may be said: You amassed wealth; why did you rob your neighbor? You were not driven by need. I bestowed riches upon you, thus rendering your justification void. To the strong one: Why did you neglect to assist the widow and orphans in distress? Were you truly powerless? I endowed you with strength—not to harm others, but to be their protector. Is it not written: Save those who are oppressed? Is it not declared: Deliver the poor and rescue the needy from the hands of the wicked? And to the affluent: I provided you with family, honor, and health. Why did you fail to heed My guidance? My servant, what harm did I inflict on you, or what burden did I cause? Have I not given you loved ones, accolades, and vitality? Why did you forsake Me? Why did you think your actions would remain hidden from Me? Why did you accept My gifts yet spurn My teachings? Judas, the betrayer, stands as a testament; chosen among the twelve, tasked with ministry, he was entrusted with the finances meant for the poor, ensuring no one would suspect he betrayed the Lord due to poverty. The Lord justly bestowed upon him every good thing, yet Judas, ungrateful, turned against grace, incurring a far greater transgression.

Thus, it becomes evident that the consequences of dishonor and the rewards for virtue will inevitably follow.

He wonders whether he has upheld a clean conscience in vain and distanced himself from wrongdoing, even as he endures constant trials and chastisement each day. This suggests that God does not reward purity, for His leniency toward the unrighteous contrasts with His treatment of the faithful. As true righteousness encompasses both an upright heart and moral actions, David claims both attributes for himself. In this light, we too ought to emulate his example by integrating these two dimensions: commencing with a pure heart and subsequently pursuing righteous deeds, affirming our inner integrity before God and our outward actions before others.