THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Beloved brethren, it should already be clear to you, as faithful members of the Church, well-educated in the teachings of Christ handed down through the writings of our ancient forefathers, who spoke of God's intentions and mighty deeds. Their aim was to care for our spiritual welfare as we navigate our faith in this time, believers in Christ; who humbled Himself when He first came, and is destined to return in glory. As the Psalms declare, "Truth shall spring forth from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven." Thus, when we encounter a Psalm, a Prophet, or the Law—each composed prior to the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ—we should seek Christ within them, grasping His essence. Therefore, beloved, let us turn our attention to this Psalm, searching for Christ within; for He reveals Himself to those who earnestly seek Him, and He has not abandoned those who long for Him, redeeming those who have turned away. The Psalm begins with reference to Him: "The Lord reigns; let the people be angry" (Psalm 98:1). Our Lord Jesus Christ commenced His reign and ministry following His resurrection and ascension, filling His disciples with the hope of the Holy Spirit, so they would not fear death, which He has already overcome. Christ began to be proclaimed, inviting all to faith in Him for salvation; meanwhile, the nations devoted to idols raged against Him. Those who worshipped their own creations were incensed at the announcement of the One by whom they were made. He revealed Himself through His disciples, urging them to turn away from their idols and toward their Creator. They were enraged at their Lord because of their idols—even those who would condemn the servant whom God created in their midst, elevating that servant above their crafted images. Their fury towards their Lord stemmed from their attachment to what they made. Yet, even the anger expressed is mere prophecy, for it is written, "The Lord reigns; let the people be angry." There can be blessings born from this anger: let them be angry, as martyrs may arise from their wrath. You heard when Jeremiah was read before the Apostolic reading: do you recognize the time in which we live? Jeremiah declared, "Let the gods that did not make the heavens and the earth perish from the earth and from under the heavens" (Jeremiah 10:11). He did not say they would vanish from heaven, for they were never there; instead, he repeated the phrase concerning the earth—let them be erased from the earth and from their temples. Consider whether this might not be occurring now; if it has not yet come to fruition, ask what remains. Idols reside more within the hearts of the Gentiles than in the sanctuaries of their temples.
"He who sits above the cherubim": you understand this refers to Him as King—let Him stir the earth. The cherubim represent God's throne as indicated in Scripture, an elevated seat in heaven, unseen by us yet known to the Word of God and revealed to His servants, indicating where God dwells. God does not sit in a corporeal sense; yet if you allow God to be enthroned within you through righteousness, you can become His throne. For it is written, "The soul of a righteous man is the dwelling place of wisdom" (Proverbs 12:23). The term "throne" can denote a seat. Some knowledgeable in Hebrew interpret “cherubim” by phrases like "fullness of knowledge." Thus, as God transcends all understanding, He is said to be seated above that fullness. Hence, let the fullness of knowledge fill you, and you shall become God’s throne.
He comprehends all things; indeed, our hairs are counted before Him (Matthew 10:30). Yet the fullness of knowledge He desires for humanity differs from mere awareness; it embodies the understanding of God’s law. You might ask, who can truly know the law in its entirety to embrace this fullness and truly serve as God's throne? Do not despair; it is simply stated that if you wish to know love—the fulfillment of the Law (Romans 13:10). And what follows if you disregard it? Examine your heart and seek love within; if love prevails, you fulfill the Law, and God abides in you, making you His throne. Let men express their wrath; what can their anger accomplish against someone who has become a throne for God? Take heed of those who bear anger against you; do not focus on their hostility, but rather on Who resides within you. You have become heaven; why then fear the earth? As Scripture proclaims, "Heaven is my throne" (Isaiah 66:1). Therefore, if you have become a throne for God through fullness of understanding and love, you are heaven. The visible heaven has little allure for God; it is the holy souls, the minds of angels, and all His faithful servants that comprise heaven.
"Great is the Lord in Zion, and He is exalted above all peoples" (Psalm 98:2). The One I referred to as cherubim is indeed great in Zion. What is Zion? It embodies the city of God, often associated with Jerusalem, interpreted to mean "to behold" or "to observe." Thus, every soul striving to perceive the light ought to be considered Zion. When it sees its own light, it wans; but when it beholds the True Light, it is illuminated. Now that it is evident that Zion represents the city of God, we must recognize this city is none other than the Holy Church. Those who love one another and cherish the divine presence within constitute the city of God.
A city is bound by a law; in this case, Love is the law, and Love itself is God, for it is written, "God is love" (1 John 4:8). Therefore, he who abounds in love is filled with God; many who are filled with love together create a city brimming with the essence of God. This city of God is designated as Zion; thus, the Church embodies Zion. In this, God is exalted.
Do you think, brethren, that those who celebrated with music yesterday are not upset by our fasting? Let us not respond with anger, but instead, let us fast for them. For our Lord, who dwells within us, commanded us to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). When the Church fulfills this command, the persecutors often fade away. A drunkard harms himself, but he disturbs the sober. Consider a man content in God, yearning for the eternal peace promised by Him; when such a man observes a celebratory person playing music, he is more saddened by their folly than afflicted by fever. If we recognize their shortcomings—understanding that we too have been liberated from those very failings—we should mourn for them. And if we are distressed for them, we will pray for them; understanding that our prayers may be heard, we will fast for them. We do not adhere to the fasts of feast days. Our fasting in preparation for Easter differs from the feasting of others; we fast so that when they rejoice, our sorrow may reflect their plight. Their joy incites our grief, reminding us of their continued misery. Yet, as we see many delivered from the state we once endured, we should not lose hope. If they remain angry, let us continue praying; if any other faction rises against us, may we weep for their understanding, so that they, too, may receive the message we embrace in this joyful moment.
"All the people, over whom you reign in Zion, let them confess Your Name, for it is great" (Psalm 98:3). Your Name was deemed small while they expressed anger; now let its greatness be recognized through confession. In what sense was the Name of Christ small before it spread so widely? His report was bound up in His Name. It was small, and now it has become great. What nation has not heard of His Name? Therefore, let those who once raged against His Name now confess before its greatness. Why must they confess? For His Name is marvelous and holy; proclaimed as crucified, humbly available, condemned—so that He may return gloriously, resurrected, and come to judge in authority. He currently bears with those who blaspheme, for God's patience is intended to lead to repentance (Romans 2:4). He who dispenses mercy now will not always refrain from judgment, and He whom they both reverence and revile will return to judge. He will come, my brethren; let us fear Him and live righteously to be found on His right. In that day, He will distinguish between those placed on His left and those on His right (Matthew 25:31-33). His judgment is firm, allowing no possibility of error in placing good with evil or vice versa.
If He cannot err, we must not falter if we fear rightly. If we reside in fear now, we need fear no more. "For the honor of the King loves righteousness."
"You have established equity; You have executed judgment and righteousness in Jacob" (Psalm 98:4). We must also embody justice and righteousness, but it is He who works judgment and righteousness within us, who fashioned us for that purpose. How can we possess justice and righteousness? You obtain judgment by discerning between good and evil, and righteousness by pursuing goodness and shunning evil. By judiciously distinguishing, you gain judgment; through practice, you gain righteousness. Avoid evil and do good; pursue peace actively. First, there must be discernment, followed by righteousness. What is judgment? To assess what is evil and what is good. What is righteousness? To flee from evil and enact goodness. This, however, is not achieved solely by your own efforts; remember that it is recorded, "You have wrought judgment and righteousness in Jacob."