THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
The psalm just sung is short in words but rich in meaning. It focuses on our homeland as Christians, a city we long for while we dwell in our mortal state. We yearn for this place, which is hidden from sight amidst the thorns and difficulties of life, where our Sovereign has paved the way for our return. As we journey in Christ, we wander and sigh, waiting for an indescribable rest promised to us—a rest that human eyes have never seen or ears heard, nor has it ever entered the heart to conceive. Let us sing from our yearning hearts, for the one who earnestly longs sings in his soul, even if his tongue remains silent. Examine the fervent lovers of this city—the psalm's authors—who expressed their profound feelings in song. This spirit of love for the city was inspired by God, for He has poured His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit bestowed upon us. Brimming with this Spirit, let us heed what is conveyed about this city.
Its foundations rest upon the sacred hills, as stated in Psalm 85:1. The psalm begins with the declaration, "Her foundations are upon the holy hills." Whose foundations are these? Clearly, they belong to a city. With the Holy Spirit instilling love and desire for this city, the psalmist expresses, "Her foundations are on the holy hills," suggesting that he had previously contemplated its significance. How could he remain silent about a matter of such profound importance to his soul? As he silently reflects on this city in prayer, he exclaims for all to hear: "Her foundations are on the holy hills." If those listening were curious about which city he referred to, he follows with the profound statement: The Lord loves the gates of Zion. Thus, we find a city, Zion, whose foundations rest upon the holy hills, cherished by the Lord more than all the abodes of Jacob.
But what does it mean for its foundations to be on these holy hills? What exactly are these hills upon which this city stands? The Apostle Paul sheds light on this matter, as he is a citizen of this very city, speaking to inspire others. How are the Prophets and Apostles citizens of this city? They embody the hills upon which the city's foundation rests, loved by the Lord. This point is further clarified when Paul addresses the Gentiles, revealing that they too are woven into this holy structure, grounded upon the foundations laid by the Apostles and Prophets. Since neither the Apostles nor the Prophets could stand firm on their own, he emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). The Gentiles can no longer be seen as estranged from Zion, for Zion represents a tangible city that serves as an earthly shadow of the heavenly Jerusalem of which the Apostle speaks, "which is the mother of us all" (Galatians 4:26). Thus, the Apostle assures them, "Ye therefore are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets" (Ephesians 2:19-20). Marvel at the grand construction of this city—what firm ground does it rest upon? Jesus Christ Himself is the cornerstone.
To illustrate this, Paul confirms, "No man can lay any other foundation than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus" (1 Corinthians 3:11). But how are the prophets and apostles regarded as the foundation while Christ stands above them? Consider how He is referred to as the Holy One among the saints, serving figuratively as the Foundation of foundations. In matters of mystery, Christ is the Holy of holies; among the flock, He is the Shepherd of shepherds; in architecture, He is the Pillar of pillars. In physical constructions, a stone cannot serve as both the support and the roof—structural integrity prevents this—but God, who is spirit and beyond all material limitations, surpasses these confines. So, while He may declare, "I am the door," He does not signify the same as a carpenter's door. Similarly, He states, “I am the Good Shepherd,” but this title transcends earthly shepherding. In their profound unity, He is both the shepherd entering through the door and the very door itself. Through Him, all passages flow.
Paul highlights this when he states, "Do you seek proof that Christ speaks in me?" (2 Corinthians 13:3). Thus, when holy disciples enter through the door, they enter with Christ, evidenced by Saul’s encounter with the Lord when he fervently pursued the saints; the Almighty asked him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). Hence, Christ becomes the foundation and cornerstone, emerging from below while being exalted above all, just as the physical structures rest upon the earth, so do the spiritual edifices rest on high elevations. Had we built upon earthly principles, our foundation would be in the low places; instead, since our edifice is heavenly, our foundation ascends before us towards the heavens. Our Savior, the cornerstone, alongside the Apostles and Prophets, shape this living structure.
This building now resonates with your hearts; God, the master craftsman, weaves through my tongue to aid in this construction. Even the dimensions of Noah's ark, made of square timbers, serve as an emblem of the Church. Why this shape? Reflect on a square stone, which symbolizes the virtues a Christian must embody, for truly, he will not fall amidst trials. Though pushed, he remains steadfast. In earthly cities, we distinguish between the structures and their residents; however, this city is built from living inhabitants, as Peter reminds us, "Ye, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5). Let us continue contemplating this city.
The Lord cherishes the gates of Zion above all the abodes of Jacob (Psalm 86:2). My previous remarks were aimed at clarifying that the gates and the foundations are intimately connected. Why are the foundations of the Apostles and Prophets significant? Their authority bolsters our weaknesses. Why are they called gates? Because they usher us into the Kingdom of God, proclaiming the path, and while they lead us, we enter through Christ, who embodies the Gate. The twelve gates of the new Jerusalem are detailed in Revelation 21:12, where Christ is both the Gate and encompasses all twelve gates, for He resides within them, hence the symbolism of the Apostles numbering twelve.
This twelve-fold number carries a profound mystery; Christ assures us, "Ye shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 19:28). If there are twelve thrones, Paul, the thirteenth Apostle, is left without a physical throne for judgment, yet he asserts he will judge men and angels alike, particularly the fallen ones, as he reminds us (1 Corinthians 6:3). The world may question, "Why do you claim the role of judge? Where is your seat?" Our Lord specified the twelve thrones for the twelve Apostles, with Judas's position replaced by Matthias, thus restoring the twelve count (Acts 1:15-26). This reflects the unity of the Church, destined to flourish universally; hence this building is referred to as the edifice in Christ. The twelve thrones are indicative of a collective judgment across all, for all entering the city pass through its gates.
There are four corners of the earth—East, West, North, and South—alluded to in Scripture. From every direction, our Lord declares that He will gather His sheep, "from the four winds" (Mark 13:27). Therefore, the Church encompasses believers from every side and is defined by the Trinity, manifested in Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you consider three multiplied by four, the outcome is twelve. Approach this gate earnestly, and let Christ urge within you, “Open to me the gate of righteousness.” For He precedes us as our Head, leading us in His Body.
Beautiful words have been spoken about you, O city of God (Psalm 85:3). The reflection upon Jerusalem signifies its notable attributes, for while the earthly city has faced devastation from enemies, the true city of God stands firm, surpassing its fallen earthly counterpart. The Psalmist conveys that excellent words are designated for this city, declaring, "I will remember Raab and Babylon among those who know Me" (Psalm 86:4). Notably, Raab and Babylon are not part of the Jewish heritage. The Prophet emphasizes that both the Philistines and Tyre joined the Ethiopians in this remembrance. High praise is consequently warranted for you, O city of God, incorporating not only Israelites descended from Abraham but all nations, clearly depicted in the text.
Who, then, is Raab? She is the harlot of Jericho, who recognized the path of salvation through faith and offered refuge to the spies, escaping her city's destruction by signifying her allegiance with the scarlet thread—a symbol of the blood of Christ. Raab represents the Church of the Gentiles. Hence, our Lord chastised the arrogant Pharisees, declaring, “Verily I say unto you, that publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you” (Matthew 21:31). They enter first because they demonstrate a faith that breaks through barriers; the path to faith remains open for them, as it is written, "The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force" (Matthew 11:12). Raab’s narrative echoes courage, akin to that of the penitent thief on the cross, exemplifying faith against societal norms.
As we transition from Babylon, a representation of worldly corruption, to Jerusalem, the city of holiness, it is through Him who justifies the ungodly. This reflection aims to bridge disparate paths leading to divine grace, affirming that Raab and Babylon shall be recognized, indicating an inclusive vision where not only the faithful Jew but all nations may traverse the sacred gates.
Now consider this profound mystery: through Him exists Raab, and the city that transforms from Babylon to Jerusalem. The daughter separates from her mother, joining the community of the Holy City, as the calling echoes, "Forget your people and your father's house; for the king will have pleasure in your beauty." How then could Babylon's influence claim Jerusalem? The Prophet’s declaration is clear: "Zion, my mother," counting every entrance made through her native lineage. Who speaks of this connection? The narratives of the redeemed clarify this pathway. It is through Zion that all are invited. The singer asserts, “Zion, my mother,” indicating a significant birth from her, where the Most High established her foundations (Psalm 85:5).
What greater clarity exists than this? Truly, the splendid descriptors of you, O city of God, proclaim your glory. Zion is hailed, and a man who was born in her—precisely the one who caused her foundation—affirms this truth. How does He occupy duality—born within a city He himself founded? He laid her groundwork so that He could be born there. Therefore, He created the mother from which He took His human form and formed the city as the stage for His entry. What profound hope we hold! The Lord, who founded this city, refers to it as a mother in which He was born.
When questioned, “How do you know this?” our response is found in the praises we have sung. Christ, the Son of Man for our sake, sings within us. He was here before the cosmos, heavens, and time commenced. The humility of being born as man, especially within this city that He built, speaks to His divine nature, which is highest of all.
The Lord will reaffirm this identity, as noted in Psalm 86:6, where He seeks to declare His words to those born within its walls. Who are those who are born within its boundaries? They are the princes shaped by this city, chosen by God. It is through their humble beginnings that they rise to prominence, for God selects the weak to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). Those who were fishermen and tax collectors became the princes of this kingdom, affirming their value by their birth within.