THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
As we attentively listened to the reading of the Psalm, let us now listen carefully as the Lord unveils the truths He has chosen to conceal in this text. Some of these truths in Scripture are kept hidden not to be denied but to be revealed to those who earnestly seek. Therefore, if you approach with genuine piety and heartfelt love, He who understands your intentions will make Himself known to you. We recognize that many, perhaps including ourselves, may lament the patience of God, grieving over the existence and power of wicked individuals. Often, the wicked prevail over the righteous, and the righteous suffer while the wicked celebrate.
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This observation can lead weak spirits to despair, as they may feel their virtuous efforts are in vain due to God’s apparent indifference toward their good actions and His support for the unholy in their pursuits. Consequently, the weak, believing their good lives yield no reward, might either succumb to imitating the prosperous wicked or refrain from action out of fear of worldly repercussions, acting not from a love of righteousness but from a fear of human condemnation. Such flawed thoughts often lead to a belief that God pays no heed to human deeds, equating the righteous and the wicked in value, or even worse, thinking that He punishes the righteous while favoring the unrighteous. Those who harbor such thoughts, although they may not hurt others, harm themselves; their wickedness does not affect God but leads them to spiritual ruin.
The Psalm is titled: A Psalm of David, written on the fourth day of the week. This Psalm teaches endurance amidst the trials of the righteous and encourages steadfastness against the prosperity of the wicked. This theme resonates throughout the entirety of the Psalm. But why is it designated as the fourth day of the week? The first day is the Lord’s Day, the second is known as the lunar day, and the third is designated as the Martian day. Thus, based on tradition, the fourth day is referred to as the day of Mercury by some Gentiles and even certain Christians; however, I prefer to leave it unnamed and hope others will do so as well because these terms lack universal significance. Different nations have various names for the days of the week, and the Church’s terminology better reflects a Christian perspective. If one is accustomed to using names they truly find unappealing, let them remember that the celestial bodies were present long before those names were assigned; they were honored with divine reverence because of the acknowledgment of their earthly contributions, though not for eternal purposes. The ancients, deceived and wishing to deceive, pointed to the stars to flatter those who gave them favor in life. This vanity was perpetuated by the adversary, but Christ dispelled such notions. Thus, when referencing the fourth week, we refer to the fourth day from the Lord’s Day.
Consider what this title signifies. A profound mystery exists here. Recall the creation narrative in Genesis: what was brought into being on the first day? Light. On the second day, the firmament was created, which God named heaven. The third day revealed the form of land and sea, where the waters were gathered and called the sea, and the dry land was designated earth. On the fourth day, the Lord crafted the celestial lights, including the sun to govern the day, and the moon and stars to govern the night. This was the work of the fourth day. Why does the Psalm derive its name from this fourth day? It instructs patience and resilience in the face of the wicked's prosperity and the afflictions faced by the good. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that ye may be blameless and harmless, ye sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life.”
Now, let us delve into the Psalm. "The Lord is a God of vengeance; a God of vengeance is strong." Do you believe He is indifferent to wrongdoing? The God of vengeance delivers justice. What does it mean that He is a God of vengeance? It signifies He is a God who disciplines. You may grumble that the wicked face no punishment, but refrain from doing so lest you share in their fate. You complain that a thief goes unpunished, but remember that bitterness at God's silence can set you on a path of condemnation. If you wish for another to correct their ways, first correct your own words; if you wish to amend your heart towards others, align your heart with God’s; lest you find yourself seeking God’s vengeance at a time you become the object of that judgment. For He will return to judge those who persist in their wickedness, those ungrateful for His mercy who store up wrath for the forthcoming day of reckoning—a day of righteous judgment. God will render to everyone according to their deeds, for He is indeed a God of vengeance, and thus He acts with resolve.
Our hope rests in our Savior, who is the refuge for all the needy and poor. What does He declare? "I will trust in Him." This means He will not falter, nor will He tolerate human vices. As a faithful healer, He wields the scalpel of preaching to remove our afflictions. Just as foretold, He who taught with great authority rebuked the scribes and Pharisees, unflinchingly. He feared no one; He spares no one in words, desiring to heal those willing to accept His admonition. He will not exempt anyone when delivering judgment, having previously shown no concern for His accusers in humility. The one who judges gently, yet firmly, will act decisively at the last day. Do not complain about God’s seeming tolerance of the wicked but instead cultivate kindness, so His chastisements may lead to salvation rather than condemnation.
What follows His confident actions? "Be exalted, O Judge of the earth." Since they condemned Him in His humility, do you think they will bring Him to judgment in His glory? He boldly proclaims, "Be exalted, Thou who didst act with assurance," as they failed to recognize His authority in life. They sought to seize Him through persecution rather than faith. Therefore, as He acted confidently among the wicked, let His Church endure patiently as Her Head does. Exalt Him, for He will repay the proud according to their deeds. He will indeed reward them.
This expression is not mere command; it is prophetic, foretelling Christ's ascension. The Prophet foresaw this, not commanding it, as Christ’s resurrection and ascension were inevitable. As the Judge, He comprehends their condemnation, and those who suffer divine justice reflect His righteous judgment. The proud—those who assert themselves while trying to dismiss their sins—will receive what is just. Miracles were worked even among those who called for His crucifixion, finding grace in the very blood they shed. Those who persecuted His earthly body became part of His mystical body, the Church. They drank the blood they had despised.
“Lord, how long will the wicked triumph?” they ask. They scorn and engage in injustice, issuing claims that defy God’s goodness. They believe that their current state of life voids any divine oversight. If human authorities wouldn’t permit their misdeeds, how do they believe they can escape God’s watchful eye? God perceives all—beyond mere actions, He weighs the intentions of the heart. Even the wicked know they can’t hide from God, but their error lies in thinking that their actions please Him.
Some good-hearted individuals may rise against wrongdoers and inquire, "Why doesn’t God punish iniquity?" They note that they commit sin and do not face consequences, while the righteous endure suffering. Their inquiries echo through the ages; they conclude that God’s patience translates to complacency. Yet God's longsuffering is intended to draw them to repentance. As the Apostle reminds us, "Do you suspect that your judgment will be overlooked? Or do you dismiss His goodness, not realizing that His patience encourages your transformation?"
Continuing in sin accumulates wrath for the day of judgment—God rewards each according to their deeds. If His patience extends to the unrighteous, it is to invite them towards righteousness. Thus, do not let the smallest of sins go unheeded—they can accumulate like drops filling a river. Therefore, we recall the anguished words: "They have oppressed Your people, O Lord, and confounded Your inheritance." They have slain the widow, the orphan, and the stranger—each expression is painfully clear.
They audaciously claim, "The Lord does not see,” thinking He is indifferent to their injustice. Yet the foolish demand understanding—how can they presume God overlooks them? He who created the ear cannot be deaf, nor can He who crafted the eye remain blind. God shall instruct entire nations and provide gentle correction, for He has sent forth His word throughout the world. Divinely appointed leaders proclaim a need for repentance, lovingly inviting humanity back to the right path.
If you were graded by your Instructor, would they ignore poor performance? Have you received divine instruction while failing to carry it out? Soon, we will be held accountable for our learning, reminded that we must all stand before Christ’s judgment seat. For “The Lord knows the thoughts of men; that they are futile.”
He knows the rightness of His thoughts, each intention steeped in wisdom. Therefore, do not discredit your worth; we must be confident in His counsel. The Lord nosh the lofty thoughts of man as mere vanity, but those who seek His wisdom will find they are nurtured in truth and grace. Continue to pursue righteousness so that you may withstand what comes in judgment.
"Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord, and teach him Your law." Though He sees the wicked, He patiently allows time for transformation—a pit waits for the sinner's downfall. Yet it is the proud who must be warned, not the repentant heart, which humbly acknowledges its faults.
Thus, bear with patience in the days of wickedness. The righteous may suffer while the wicked prosper, but this transient state is not in vain. God grants you strength until the day comes when the wicked are ensnared in the traps they laid. Take heart, for the prosperity of the wicked becomes their downfall.
Rejoice, dear ones, for God’s discipline is not without purpose. He preserves His people. Do not fear temporary trials; they lead to eternal peace. The afflictions you endure now are but for a season, whereas His mercies are everlasting. Embrace the lessons learned amid tribulation so they may guide you to the awaiting rest. Our labor here is indeed a prelude to the joy that God promises.
Life’s purpose is not to acquire transient pleasures but rather to attain eternal bliss. His call to labor, thus, requires a resolve rooted in faith. Know that while you face trials, He prepares a haven for His people amidst the storms. Maintain hope in His deliverance, for He will lead you through life’s trials to the shores of eternal joy.