THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
If the Word created the eye, since everything was brought into existence through the Word, and if the Word fashioned the ear, as all things are established through the Word, then we cannot assert, “The Word does not see” or “The Word does not hear” without being reminded by the psalmist: senseless ones! When will you gain understanding? Therefore, if the Word is capable of hearing and seeing, the Son also hears and sees. Yet, should we really seek His ears and eyes in separate locations? Does He hear from one place and see from another, with each sense having its limitations? Does He not completely see, and does He not fully hear? Perhaps it is indeed true; His capacity to see and hear distinctly surpasses our own. In the Word, seeing and hearing simultaneously coexist as one.
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It is not the case that hearing exists in one space while seeing occupies another; rather, in His hearing, He sees, and in His seeing, He hears. But we, who perceive differently and hear separately, how can we comprehend this? We must reflect inwardly, unless we are those who have strayed, to whom it is said, “Return, you backsliders, to your heart.” Return to your heart! Why do you distance yourselves and become lost? Why do you tread the paths of solitude? You who wander and err, return. To where? To God. But that journey takes time. First, turn back to your heart; you have drifted away from your true self, and you ask who you were meant to be. Return, return to your heart, and detach from your body: your body serves as your dwelling place. Your heart perceives through the body, yet your body is distinct from your heart; leave your body behind and return to your heart. In your body, you will find eyes in one location and ears in another; do you not discover this in your heart? Do you not possess ears within your heart, of which the Lord said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”? Have you not eyes in your heart, as the apostle says, “They are the eyes of your heart”? Return to the heart, and there behold what you may sense about God, for the image of God resides there.
As we attentively engage with the reading of the Psalm, we will likewise listen closely as the Lord unveils the profound truths He has chosen to shroud in this text. Certain mysteries within Scripture are intentionally concealed, not to be disregarded, but rather to be disclosed to those who genuinely seek. If you approach with reverence and heartfelt sincerity, the One who perceives your intentions will reveal Himself to you. We are all aware of those who lament the patience of God and bemoan the presence and power of the wicked—those who note that often the evil hold sway over the good, that the wicked rejoice while the righteous endure suffering, that the proud assert themselves while the humble remain oppressed.
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Observing such realities can lead the restless and fragile to feel their efforts toward goodness are in vain. It may seem as though God has turned away from rewarding the righteous and instead appears to assist those who pursue their wicked desires. Consequently, the weak can feel compelled to imitate the very evil they observe thriving around them or, if hindered by fear of societal consequences, they refrain from overt wrongdoing, yet their minds are not free from malevolent thoughts. Among such thoughts, pride often leads them to believe that God is indifferent to human actions, treating the good and the wicked as equals, or worse, that He actively persecutes the righteous while favoring the wicked. Such beliefs, even when they harm no one else, inflict grave harm upon themselves and deny the truth of their own souls.
This Psalm carries the designation: "A Psalm of David on the fourth day of the week," intended to instruct on patience amidst the trials faced by the righteous and to encourage steadfastness in the face of the prosperous wicked. The significance of its name, relating to the fourth day, invites reflection. The first day is designated as the Lord's day; the second bears the name of the lunar day; the third is known as the Martian day. Thus, the fourth is what the Gentiles refer to as the day of Mercury, a term I wish to see changed among Christians since many cultures assign different names, and the Church should reflect a language that aligns more closely with Christian beliefs. Yet, if tradition implies any usage that contradicts one's inner convictions, remember that the stars, named after men, existed long before humanity itself, and were honored due to their earthly deeds rather than their worth for eternal life. Past generations, deceived, mistakenly glorified those who served them in life, while in truth, such honor belonged to none other than the Creator.
Therefore, when we consider the fourth day of the week, we can recall the creation detailed in Genesis. On the first day, light was created; on the second, the firmament called heaven; the third day saw the division of land and sea. On the fourth, the Lord made the celestial bodies: the sun to govern the day, and the moon and stars to oversee the night. This creation reflects how the psalm calls for patience in the face of perceived injustice, resonating with the instructions of the Apostle Paul to conduct ourselves free from grumbling, that we may be blameless among a crooked generation, shining as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life.
Let us examine the Psalm further: The Lord is a God who administers justice; He is just in His dealings. Do you doubt that He punishes? A God of justice chastens. When you find yourself aggrieved by the seeming lack of punishment for the wicked, be cautious in your murmurings, lest you find yourself amongst those who face His judgment. If a thief is allowed to live, do not resent God, thinking it unjust. Instead, focus on correcting your own breaches, addressing your heart toward both mankind and God, so that when you seek justice from Him, you might not be among those judged. He will surely come to adjudicate against those who persist in wickedness, those who fail to appreciate His grace.
Indeed, our safety lies in the Savior, who is our refuge and hope. In Him, we can place our trust, as He is relentless and unyielding in confronting the unrighteous. Like a devoted physician, He addresses our wounds through the sharpness of His truth. Great was the One who taught with authority, unafraid of opposition, saying, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” His truth was spoken boldly because He is a God of justice, who does not flinch from calling out transgression. The One who spared no harsh word before His passion will not abstain from judgment later.
He acted with assurance, and those who sought to ensnare Him will find no escape from His righteous decree when the time comes for accountability. The phrase “be exalted” acknowledges His sovereign position as the Judge of the world, and a reminder that while He faced humiliation, He will not be imprisoned in His exalted state. He will repay the proud according to their deeds—a prophetic declaration that anticipates not beseeching authority but the true and just governance of Christ.
As we suffer alongside the righteous, we must endure like our Leader. The Lord will not cast away His people, for even in their afflictions, His presence remains. The call is for us to wait patiently through the trials of this life, understanding that though the wicked flourish temporarily, their fate is sealed in His timing.
When righteous individuals flounder, they are warned against being seduced by the apparent prosperity of those who do evil. True labor lies in patience and steadfastness, as we await the rewarding of our struggles. Even while the wicked seem to thrive, judgment will surely come. Often, the words of the righteous will be scorned by those who pursue sin, leading to questions that challenge their path.
But we must remember that the Lord is near; His assistance guarantees our triumph over the myriad trials we face, with consolation ever ready to soothe our hearts, even against the backdrop of adversity. He teaches us via our sufferings, forming us and guiding us toward righteousness, for only through trials do we understand divine truth. The promise of rest is there for those who labor faithfully, and although our burdens may seem heavy now, they are momentary compared to the glory to come.
In light of this, let us not forget that our efforts yield a greater reward. What a marvel it is to know that through our afflictions, we grow in grace, transforming our sorrows into blessings, leading us to the eternal joys that await. He tests us through trials, assuring that our perseverance will be our commendation.
Let these reflections guide us, instilling patience, hope, and unwavering faith in Christ, our ultimate Advocate and Judge. Let us hold fast to His promises, enduring through all tribulations, for they lead us to the fulfillment of His glorious purposes.