THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
My esteemed brother Severus continues to delay the joy we anticipate from his dialogues, aware that he has a debt to fulfill. He is recognized as such among all the congregations he has visited, where the Lord has delighted in his words. The Church from which the Lord’s gospel has been proclaimed to others should rejoice even more. Our duty is to abide by his wishes, but I assure you, dear friends, that his postponement does not equate to deceit. Therefore, let us regard him as a debtor, holding him accountable until he fulfills his obligation.
Let us reflect, beloved, on this Psalm that you are familiar with; it is always a delight to revisit the truth. As the title of the Psalm was mentioned, some may have reacted in surprise: “When the house was built after the Captivity.” Since this title precedes the text, one might expect a description of the physical work—what stones were hewn, what materials were gathered, the foundations laid, the beams raised, and the columns erected. Yet, his psalm does not portray such a structure. The house being built is not confined to a specific locale but is constructed everywhere.
It starts with a call: “Sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth” (Psalm 94:1). If indeed the entire earth sings a new song, it builds as it sings; the essence of this song lies in its freshness, as only the old brings forth the desires of the flesh, while the love of God inspires the new. The reason for this newness in song is revealed by the Lord: “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another” (John 15:12). When the earth sings this new song, it signifies that the house of God is expanding there. The entire world is the house of God. Yet those who do not cling to it represent ruins, mere shadows of the former temple. The old was demolished so that the new could arise.
The Apostle binds us together in this very structure, urging us to maintain unity, stating, “Indulging one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). Where the Spirit's unity resides, there is one stone; and from many, one stone is crafted through patience and love. Hence, the house of the Lord is being built, and this is manifested in the words, readings, and proclamations of the Gospel throughout the world as it comes into being. This house has become vast, encompassing many nations; yet it has not conquered them all. In its growing presence, it embraces many and is destined to triumph over all, much to the dismay of those who claim belonging to it while asserting its decline. Its growth continues, and those nations yet to believe are marked for belief; who can tell if this or that tongue will believe? The fiery tongues of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3) indicate that no tongue is too hardened to be softened by this fire. Indeed, many barbarian nations have believed in Christ; regions untouched by the Roman Empire are already under His reign. What is beyond human conquest can be claimed by the Lord through His wood.
Who fights with wood? Christ. By His cross, He has subdued rulers, and they wear the very cross they once opposed, for therein lies their salvation. This is the work being done, the ongoing construction of the house. Consider the verses of the Psalm that highlight this labor: “Sing unto the Lord all the earth.” “Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation day by day” (Psalm 95:2). How is this building growing? By the declaration of His salvation daily. Let it be shared continuously; thus, His house expands.
It’s as if the laborers are asking, “Where shall this house be built? Where shall we proclaim the Gospel?” God reveals the answer: “Declare His glory among the Gentiles.” Distribute His glory, not your own. Builders must proclaim His glory to the nations. If you seek to promote yourselves, you will falter; if you advocate for His glory, you will be uplifted in your efforts. Those who seek to exalt themselves have turned away from this house, failing to sing a new song in unison with the world, opting instead for a facade that lacks substance. God harshly criticizes this false exterior (Ezekiel 13:10); many Prophets have condemned such hypocrisy, which showcases brightness on the outside while remaining filthy within.
A man once remarked about such a facade: if one creates a door within a standalone wall that is disconnected from others, entering through it leads to the outside, just as those who choose to build only a superficial structure devoid of true communion will find no entrance. Without engaging sincerely, their door remains closed. The Lord states, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9). Thus, proclaim His glory among the nations. Who are the Gentiles? Are Getulia, Numidia, Mauritania, and Byzacia not nations? Provinces are indeed nations. Let the word of God remove the pretense of hypocrisy, shaping a true house across the world.
Yet it’s not enough to say, “Declare Him to the Gentiles” without including “and His miracles among all people.” “For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (Psalm 95:4). Which Lord is this but Jesus Christ, who is great beyond praise? We know He came as a man; He was conceived in the womb of a woman, born, nurtured, circumcised, and offered as a sacrifice. He endured beatings, mockery, a crown of thorns, crucifixion, and death, all for our redemption. He is great and worthy of honor. Let none despise the humble, for He made Himself lowly for our sakes so that we may find greatness in Him.
What can a mere human tongue articulate about the Great One? The psalmist declared, “Above all praise,” giving form to what transcends our expression. Whatever remains beyond human thought is greater than any spoken word. Let the Lord be honored and extolled; let us proclaim His glory and construct His house.
The foundation for this house is rooted in a place overgrown with trees, as we discussed yesterday. It was this very place the builder sought; the wilderness represents a realm where man worshiped idols and lived in sin. The prodigal son, who abandoned his father and squandered his inheritance, found himself amongst swine, serving false deities. Because of the superstitions of the Gentiles, the earth became a tangle of thorns.
He who builds a house uproots such trees, echoing the reality that “when the house was being built after the captivity.” Humanity, once captive to the devil, has now been liberated. They could sell themselves into slavery but could not redeem themselves. The Redeemer came to set humanity free, paying the ultimate price—His blood. What other price could match this but the entirety of the world? To claim that the price is scant is to misunderstand the depth of His sacrifice. His offering extends universally, demonstrating the greatness of His love. Because we were redeemed, a new dwelling arises after bondage.
Those tasked with proclaiming His glory are involved in clearing the way, removing the old to establish the new. How can this demonic influence be undone unless Christ, who transcends all, is declared? Every nation once worshiped devils, and the Apostle clarifies this truth: “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God” (1 Corinthians 10:20). They were ensnared by their offerings to demons, leaving the earth in spiritual desolation.
He is to be revered above all false gods because “as for all the gods of the nations, they are idols” (Psalm 95:5). If this is what lifts Him above them, let it not diminish His true worth. The Lord is Creator of the heavens. Not only is He greater than the idols, but He is also exalted above all creation. The psalmist doesn’t state, “But the Lord is seated in the heavens,” which could imply another entity created them; rather, he affirms, “the Lord made the heavens.” If He is their Creator, He is also the Creator of the angels and apostles. The adversaries yield to the apostles, yet the apostles themselves serve as the heavens that declared the glory of the Lord.
O heavens that He has formed, proclaim His glory among the nations! May His house be established throughout the earth, and may the earth unite in a new song.
“Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness” (Psalm 95:6). Do you seek beauty? Remember, beauty follows confession. If you have erred, confess to become righteous. While you might distort your appearance, genuine beauty cannot be self-created. The Bride of Christ, whom He loves deeply, can only attain beauty through the admission of her flaws. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:13). These are those who confess their sins, turning away from their former wickedness; they will find beauty after confession.
Those desiring power may observe the angels, wishing for grand stature. There is indeed splendor in the angels; their might, applied fully, is unassailable. Many seek the influence of angels, yet few covet their righteousness. Rather than seek magnitude alone, pursue righteousness, and greatness will naturally follow. Holiness and majesty reside in His sanctity. Seek first righteousness; when you achieve it, you will be exalted.
The result of seeking righteousness rather than ambition leads to true elevation, as seeking greatness alone leads to a fall before you can rise. You cannot ascend without accepting the hand of He who does not stumble. He that stands firm comes down to you. Recognize your fallen state; He extends His hand to lift you, for only He can elevate you.
So, if confession and beauty are before Him, it follows that holiness and majesty emerge from His sanctification (Psalm 95:7). We proclaim when we build His house; this glory has already been declared among the nations. What are we to convey to the Gentiles, to whom the glory of the Lord has been made known by those who labor for Him?
“Give unto the Lord, O families of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength” (Psalm 96:7). Do not ascribe it to yourselves; these representations are to His glory. Therefore, proclaim His honor; offer Him glory and strength. Let us declare, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory” (Psalm 115:1). Place no trust in humanity. When baptized, let it be recognized that “He baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” For when you acknowledge this, you grant glory to the Lord.
“Give the Lord the glory due unto His name” (Psalm 95:8). This honor is not yours or anyone else’s but belongs solely to Him. Confession itself is a gift to God. O Gentile, when you enter His courts, do not come empty-handed. What offerings should we bring? The acknowledgment of a repentant spirit: “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Approach with humility into His presence, and you carry a genuine gift. But if pride fills your heart, you come without offering.
What merit do you have to boast about if you are empty? If you were truly full, how could you still hold pride? To come with a gift, you must bring sincerity into the Lord’s presence.
Behold, His house is increasing; the entire world is being enveloped by this divine construction. Rejoice, those who enter His courts! You are being integrated into God’s temple; indeed, you yourselves embody the house of God, as His presence expands throughout the universe after the period of captivity. Bring offerings and enter His courts.
“Worship the Lord in His holy court” (Psalm 95:9). The Catholic Church is indeed His holy court. Let no one claim, “Here is Christ, or there” (Matthew 24:23-24). For false prophets will arise, declaring things in error. Such proclamations will fade; truly, “there shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.” I worship within the true dwelling of my God. Let all creation tremble before Him.