THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
As we listened closely to the reading of the Psalm, let us remain attentive as the Lord unveils the mysteries He has chosen to conceal within this text. Certain truths in Scripture are hidden not to be denied, but rather to be disclosed to those who earnestly seek. Therefore, if you approach with reverence and a genuine heart, He who understands your intentions will reveal Himself to you. We are aware, and would rather not be among them, of those who complain about the patience of God, lamenting either the existence of wicked individuals or their considerable influence. Moreover, it is often the unrighteous who wield power over the righteous, resulting in the wicked’s celebration and the good’s suffering—the proud exulting while the humble endure. Witnessing such inequities can lead to disheartened souls doubting the fruitfulness of their good actions, for it may appear as if God turns a blind eye to the righteous while granting assistance to the wicked in their sinful pursuits. Consequently, the weak, feeling disillusioned about their virtuous lives, might find themselves tempted to imitate the sinfulness of those who prosper or, if hindered by fears of societal penalties, may abstain from wrongdoing not out of a love for justice, but rather from a fear of human judgment. Among their negative thoughts is the idea that God neglects human actions, believing He equally values both the good and evil, or worse yet, that He actively opposes the righteous while favoring the wicked. Those who harbor such thoughts, even if they do not harm others, do grave harm to themselves, as their wickedness does not affect God but instead leads to their own destruction.
The Psalm is titled A Psalm of David for the fourth day of the week. It serves to instruct in patience amid the sufferings faced by the righteous, advocating patience in the face of the success of the wicked while bolstering overall endurance throughout the Psalm's entirety. Why is it designated as the fourth day of the week? The first day is the Lord's day, the second follows the lunar calendar, the third is known as Martis, and the fourth, observed by both Gentiles and many Christians, is identified as Mercurii. However, I prefer to avoid that naming and urge a return to more appropriate terminology, since these names vary across cultures. This linguistic inconsistency shows that the Church's expression is more fitting for the Christian community. Custom may lead some to utter what they do not internally agree with, forgetting that the celestial bodies existed long before those who were honored in life for their transient deeds. Thus, misguided idolization arose out of admiration for powerful individuals at the expense of recognition for God's eternal truths. The devil propagated these falsehoods, while Christ vehemently refuted them. Following our understanding, the fourth week signifies the fourth day following the Lord's day. Let us now contemplate what this title implies, for it is indeed a profound and hidden mystery.
Reflecting on Genesis, we recall the initial creation: light on the first day, the firmament on the second, and the division of land and sea on the third. The fourth day saw the creation of the heavenly luminaries, with the sun assigned to govern the day and the moon and stars designated for the night. Why, then, is the Psalm named after the fourth day: a passage that focuses on advocating patience concerning the prosperity of the wicked and the trials of the righteous? The Apostle Paul instructs us to act without grumbling or arguing, that we may shine as lights in a crooked generation, holding fast to the word of life.
Now, let us examine the Psalm. The Lord is a God of vengeance; a God who acts with assurance. Do you suppose He will not bring about punishment? The God of vengeance certainly will. What does it mean for God to be vengeful? It denotes a God of correction. You may grumble about the wicked not facing repercussions; avoid such murmuring, lest you risk joining them in judgment. If a thief goes unpunished, do not blame God, thinking that the unpunished transgression confirms God's indifference. Instead, if you desire correction for that man's actions, start by correcting your own speech. To amend your heart regarding fellow man, you must first amend it before God; otherwise, when seeking divine vengeance, you may find yourself on the receiving end. Indeed, He will come to judge those who remain in their wickedness, those who fail to express gratitude for His continued mercy, and those who accumulate wrath for the day of judgment. God will render to every individual according to their deeds.
Our deliverance lies in our Savior, who provides hope for the needy. What does He express? I will place my confidence in Him, meaning He will not falter or exempt Himself from confronting human passions and vices. Like a diligent physician, He wields the corrective scalpel of preaching, excising all that harms us. Thus, as foretold and proclaimed, so Christ appeared. What magnificent truths did this One, who taught as one with authority, proclaim? Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! He spoke vehemently to them, unafraid. Why? Because He is a God of vengeance; hence, He did not withhold His admonition, allowing even those punctuated by His mercy in judgment the chance to accept His healing words, lest they incur the judgment of the Judge. It is said that the Lord is a God of vengeance; He will not spare those who are obstinate in their wickedness.
Behold, as He is elevated, let us maintain our faith and persevere. Be exalted, O Judge of the world. Since they confined Him when He was humble, do you believe they will confine Him when He is exalted? Since they judged Him in His mortal form, will they not be judged by Him in His divine nature? The confident exhortation expresses just this: Be exalted, Thou who acted with authority, a confidence met with derision by the wicked who believed they accomplished something glorious by capturing and crucifying Him, rather than seizing Him in faith. Thus, in the midst of evil haranguing, He acted fearlessly because He bore our suffering with fortitude; now let Him rise again and ascend to heaven. Let us, too, endure patiently, mirroring the Head's long-suffering. Be exalted, O righteous Judge, and repay the proud as they deserve.
Indeed, He shall reward them, my brethren. The exaltation of the Judge signifies that reproach shall be meted out to the proud in due time. This declaration functions as a prophecy, which announces what will come to fruition rather than merely commanding it. Christ was to rise from the dead; for this reason, the Prophet foretold it. The Prophet saw Christ abased, undaunted by human judgment, unreserved in His proclamations, carrying forth His message of hope. Observing this correlation, as the Lord has released His people from servitude to sin, how shall the proud fare when subject to divine judgment?
O Lord, how long shall the wicked triumph? They vocally oppose You, proclaiming their malignity while berating the righteous. They claim, “What is the use of our righteous living, when we witness evil flourishing?” What will you reply? Do they truly think the Almighty disregards their actions? They succumb to the delusion that He has overlooked their deeds. What transpires? Their lives remain intact; but can they escape God's gaze, which sees not only evildoers in secret but also perceives the very hearts of men? They believe nothing escapes Him; hence their continuation of sin.
Yet, righteous souls arise and admonish: “Abstain from wrongdoing so as to live.” And they rebut, “I have wronged, yet I remain unharmed; behold, righteousness suffered while I thrive in wickedness. Why this divine forbearance?” They craft a rationale for their deceit, even as the Apostle clarifies this reasoning. Do you believe, O man, that whilst you judicially condemn others and claim relevance in their rebellion against the law, you could remain unaffected by the divine judgment? Or do you despise the depths of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering? Do not overlook that His patience aims to lead you to repentance. In contrast, though the sinner gathers further condemnation, the righteous stock up mercy, which inevitably persists. Thus, do not dismiss even the smallest offenses, for these small sins can accumulate slowly over time, like drops filling a river.
They have oppressed Your people, O Lord, and despoiled Your inheritance. They have taken the lives of the widow and orphan; they have shamed the sojourner. Each of these statements is self-evident; thus, there’s little need for elaboration. They declare, “The Lord does not see; He is detached, unconcerned, and oblivious to our actions.” The wicked mistakenly believe they will not face scrutiny because the Keeper does not reprimand them. Yet how can the One who crafted the ear not hear? Or will the One who created the eye not observe? Is it not clear that God instructs nations, and must He not offer correction? He spreads His Word as a guide, urging humanity to abandon transgression.
Wherever His message echoes, it implores sinners to forsake wickedness and turn toward righteousness. His forbearance aims at their transformation; He refrains from punishment today, beckoning them towards a virtuous life. His servants are sent out to teach, and they must heed the lessons delivered. Just as a student appreciates a lesson so becomes accountable for the knowledge gained. Allow yourself to ponder this: will the Divine who imparts knowledge stand idle? The Lord discerns the thoughts of men; it is to their detriment that these thoughts lead them astray.
The Lord perceives the empty thoughts of humanity. Though you may struggle to grasp divine intentions, it is essential to realize that human thoughts hold no wisdom. Those whom God befriends are privy to His counsel and revelation. Do not devalue yourselves, brothers. Draw close to the Lord with faith, for in that proximity lies enlightenment. God recognizes the futility of human thoughts and exhorts you to release them in favor of His wisdom. He who imitates Divine understanding does so by anchoring their heart to God’s will. Blessed is that one whom the Lord instructs, teaching them His ways.
Thus, He liberates the unrepentant by means of the troubles they face. Yet be wary of impatience; the righteous can endure suffering temporarily, whereas the wicked will eventually face ruin. In His longsuffering, God tests the heart of humanity, instructing them through adversity. If He chastens His faithful ones in this time, just imagine what awaits those who repudiate His Gospel! Cable not the righteous with unfounded impatience.
Before judgment can be rightly rendered, righteousness must prevail. Righteousness is a precursor to judgment, as shown in the example of the dedicated servants who endure tribulation. Though the righteous suffer presently, they may yet partake in judgment, as Christ Himself leads the righteous first, having faced trial preceding His divine rule. While God's Church exercises patience, it remains aware of His ultimate justice and the worth of those who trust in Him.
Thus, who will steadfastly stand against the unjust? Many voices persuade towards wrongdoing, even within closest circles. With the weight of persecution weighing upon them, the righteous feel besieged. Behold, though few righteous endure amidst the multitude of iniquity, they are not without hope. They possess a heart committed to holiness, persevering despite the scorn of others. God offers much more than temporary joys but a lasting truth that far outweighs momentary pleasures.