THE FEAR OF THE LORD PREVAILS OVER ALL FEARS In the last psalm, the psalmist was praising God with his whole heart, whether in his secret place, or among the congregation as an exultant choir; who finds his pleasure in the perpetual enjoyment of the knowledge of God, His secrets, the living worship, the practical behavior, tasting the sweetness of the divine commandment, and the amazing salvation of God. Now, in the present psalm, the psalmist sees the man who fears the Lord, practice the blessed life with no worry, for God Himself is his support, who would never forsake him. According to some scholars, the author of the last psalm is himself the author of this one, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. According to St. John Chrysostom, the first verse of this psalm comes as a consummation of the end of the lat one; as though they are one and the same psalm. In the last psalm he said: “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111: 10); Whil here, he says: “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord” (Psalm 112: 1). He presents a teaching concerning the fear of the Lord, in different words, yet carrying the same thought. There, he said that he who fears God is wise; and here he says that he is blessed1. (St. John Chrysostom) This psalm presents to us a portrait of him who fears the Lord, who submits to His will, and who obeys Him all the way. This psalm is one of the psalms that concern wisdom, that present a comparison between a wise man who fears the Lord, challenging all other fears, and the wicked man who has no peace. According to the prophet Isaiah: “The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread” (Isaiah 8: 13). In this psalm we see him who fears the Lord, utterly exulted in His commandments (1), fears no one, and nothing (7-8). He who fears the Lord does not need to fear anything or any situation: a- He will not worry about his descendants. b- He will not worry about his household and his family. 1 On Ps. 112. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 17 c- He will not fear the darkness. d- “He will guide his affairs with discretion” e- “He will not be afraid of evil tidings” f- He will not fear the wicked. The wise man who fears the Lord starts with the fear that brings forth peace; and ends with the great exultation in the Lord, and practicing His commandments, in particular the practical love, and the generous giving. I often told you that all the interpretations concerning the righteous man refer to the Lord Christ; and that the saints are symbols referring to the Holy Savior. This may truly apply to Joseph, David, Solomon,, and the rest of the saints. Therefore, the blessed man, described in this psalm is truly a symbol of the true Righteous divine Person. Psalm 111 (112) came in an alphabetical order like that of psalm 11o (111) 1. (St. Jerome) 1- The exultant man who fears the Lord 1 2- He who fears the Lord, and his holy household 2 - 3 3- He who fears the Lord challenges the darkness 4 4- He who fears the Lord, is steadfast forever 5 - 8 5- The compassionate man who fears the Lord 9 6- The wicked will be belittled before the man who fears the Lord 10 1- THE EXULTANT MAN WHO FEARS THE LORD: “Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments” (1) In the Last psalm, we saw that the fear of God is the fountain which flows on us the divine wisdom. Here, we find it the source of every true blessing, and of every eternal sound happiness. With a pious spirit of worship, the psalmist glorifies the Lord by blessing those who fear the Lord; he praises the Lord for the sake of His dealings, care, and gifts to him who fears Him and leans on Him. According to father Onesimus of Jerusalem, those who fear the Lord here, are among the Gentiles; For, in the psalms, when he refers to the Jews, he mentions ‘Israel’, ‘Aaron’, or ‘Levi’; then he says: “those who fear the Lord”. It is obvious that he talks here about those who fear the Lord among the Gentiles. 1 Homily 38 on Ps. 111 (112) https://coptic-treasures.com/ 18 He who fears the Lord, the blessed man, will readily obey the commandments of the Lord; he feels strong and deep love toward His commandments. To perceive this, the psalmist did not say that he just abides to the commandments of the Lord; as many are those who do because of fear, and would not get a reward. He who, out of fear of Hell, refrains from committing adultery, will not get a reward, as great as him who ministers to the Lord with faithfulness through love. He whose will is in the law of God, desires what God desires, zealously desires to consummate the will of God; …. Perpetually carries a great love, to consummate the will of the Lord; he not only does according to His commands, but desires them with his whole zeal of heart1. (St. Jerome) As the demons fear the Lord, and are terrified before Him; lest you may assume that this would be enough for our salvation, the psalmist, the way he did in the last psalm, saying: “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom”, he added: “A good understanding have all those who do His commandments” (Psalm 111: 10); binding the teaching to the way of life, conforming to it. Here, as well, after referring to the fear, he does not stop at the fear, which even the demons also have, but added: “Who delights greatly in His commandments”. He does not say: ‘He will consummate His commandments’. But says: “he delights greatly in them”; by which he exhorts us to do them with loving zeal, not for the sake of the promised reward, but for the sake of Him who issued them; not for fear of hell or of the threat of punishment, nor for the sake of the promise of kingdom, but for the sake of the author of the law. In another psalm, he shows the satisfaction he gets from keeping God’s commandments, saying: “How sweet are Your words to my taste; sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119: 103). That is what the apostle Paul also means when he vaguely says: “For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness, leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness (for satisfaction)” (Romans 6: 19).; Meaning, For just as, by great zeal and fervent desire, you walked in iniquity, which presents no reward, but rather punishment, so now walk in virtue the same way. 1 On Psalms. Homily 38 on Ps. 111 (112). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 19 Your love for the author of the law will make the law look easy, even though it involves much difficulty. Just as, he who lusts for an adulteress, does not care for what he may endure slanders, violence, reproach, probable exile from the city, loss of inheritance, despicable treatment from his parents, beside many other serious consequences, all for the sake of a corrupt covetousness; So it will be, if you zealously receive God’s commandments, you will find them as described by the Lord; “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11: 30) 1. (St. John Chrysostom) In the Book of Acts, the Christians are called “those who fear the Lord”; but here, none of them are blessed other than he who practices them, not out of keeping appearances, nor of fear of punishment, nor of hope for promised rewards; but he practices them because he loves them, or rather the One who issued them; not a little and temporal kind of love, but rich and perpetual; according to the words of the prophet: “Who delights greatly in His commandments”. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) 2- HE WHO FEARS THE LORD, AND HIS HOLY HOUSEHOLD: “His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed” (2) The apostle Paul enjoyed the blessed life as a believer who fears the Lord. Although he had no descendants according to the flesh, yet he gave birth to a multitude in the gospel, and came to have strong children who testify to the gospel of Christ. What inheritance would we give to our children and grandchildren, greater than our rejoice in God’s commandments, and our enjoyment of the blessed life, namely, of our living practical faith! I, who obey God by my own choice, am qualified to become a father of saints … I wish the Lord would grant you, as well, who listen to me, to become an upright generation2. (St. Jerome) The Holy Book used to refer ‘descendants’, not to those born according to the system of nature, but rather to those who follow the virtue. So does the apostle Paul, interpreting the verse: “To your 1 On Ps. 112. 2 On Psalms. Homily 38 on Ps. 111 (112). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 20 descendants I will give this land” (Genesis 12: 7), he says: “nor are they children because they are the seed of Abraham, but, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called’” (Romans 9: 7). Accordingly the good people, the children of those who fear the Lord will be among those, about whom the psalmist say:: “Your descendants will be mighty on earth” (2). He says “on earth”, to show that this will happen before the departure from here, and before the experience of the life there. As I have already said, virtue has its reward, even before the crowns are given. There is nothing stronger than virtue; it is more solid than rocks, and harder than steel; and consequently, there is nothing lower or weaker than iniquity, even in the presence of a uncountable possessions, or considerable authority. Now, if such is its might on earth, just imagine how much more would be the might of those who enjoy heaven1! (St. John Chrysostom) If the Jews boast in what they were given, that their descendants would increase and be mighty on earth, say to them that, as there was no mention in the Holy Book, that many men of God had no descendants, like Melchizedek; Joshua, the son of Nun; Elijah, Jeremiah, and other prophets, what the psalmist means here is not the descendents according to the flesh, but the spiritual descendents, namely, the congregation of believers, who, like a good soil, have received the seed planted by the saintly apostles, and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty; they increased in number on earth, mightily fought the hosts of darkness, and overcame them by faith in Christ the Lord and God. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever” (3) Being attached to God, he who fears God will have God make his heart His dwelling place, pours in it the riches of His grace and divine gifts. He will be in need of nothing, but, on the contrary, he will be the source of giving to others. He who fear God, will enjoy the fruits of the Holy Spirit, of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 1 On Ps. 112. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 21 gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5: 22); and his heart will turn into a closed garden that carries spiritual fruits. Referring to the riches, the believers will have, the apostle wrote to the Corinthians: ”You are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 9: 1) 1. (St. Jerome) Testifying that the works of mercy are the seeds of the coming crop, the apostle says: “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6: 9); And, “He who sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully, will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9: 6). What is it, brethren, more convincing than that ‘Zacchaeus’ purchased the kingdom of heaven for half of his goods (Luke 19: 8); whereas the widow purchased it for two mites (Mark 12: 42); and each of them will have an equal portion like the other?! And what is more convincing that the same kingdom of heaven purchased by the rich man for his treasures, the poor will get it for just a cup of cold water?! … “Wealth and riches will be in his house” (3). As his house is his heart, through praising God he will live in greater riches, together with hope in the eternal life, than the hypocrites who live in palaces of marble, together with the fear of the eternal perdition. “And his righteousness endures forever”. That is his glory, and there is his riches2. (St. Augustine) “Wealth and riches will be in his house” (3). This needs no interpretation. … They got glory from God; those who received the apostles like the angels of God, “sold their possessions and goods and put their prices at the feet of the apostles” (Acts 2: 45); and came to be of a better reputation than those with crown on their heads. Who was with an entrance like a king; who, while talking, death was cast out, illness was cured, demons fled away, and performed wonders even by his clothes; who turned the earth into heaven; and led everyone to virtue?! If they (the apostles) have realized such things on earth, just imagine what sort of glory they would get in heaven. By saying, “in his house”, he means in his soul. Wealth that comes from outer sources, do not belong to its owner, for it would not be 1 On Psalms. Homily 38 on Ps. 111 (112). 2 On Ps. 112 (111). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 22 safe there, but would be in the hands of the flatterers and hypocrites around him, who help scatter them in all directions. … And even, with guards to protect him, it would not be helpful, as long as he is prone to die any time and leave everything behind1. “And his righteousness endures forever” (3). Everything human is prone to be eventually lost. Whereas the fruit of righteousness will endure uncorrupted forever, will not be distorted with time. The human body may eventually get corrupted, but not the righteousness that will endure forever, and will prepare a proper dwelling place for the Lord who says: “My Father’s house has many mansions” (John 14: 2). Being characterized by endurance and steadfastness, it is far more exalted than any human thing in this life, Beauty will wither with illness, and be lost with time. Authority is mostly unpredictable. Wealth, riches, and lust in this life, either forsake man during his life, or, when he dies he will be naked of everything. The fruit of righteousness, on the contrary, will never be corrupted with time, nor destroyed by death, but will be more secure, particularly when it reaches the safe haven, protected against tempests2. (St. John Chrysostom) Those bad riches about which it is said: “The young lions lack and suffer hunger” (Psalm 34: 10); and, “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation” (Luke 6: 24). Taking the riches away involves an exultation in perfection; according to the words of the Lord about the poor (who do not have this kind of riches): “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5: 3); and in the psalm it came: “This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him” (Psalm 34: 6); and also: “Let the poor and needy praise Your name” (Psalm 74: 21). Whereas the good riches is what is acquired by the virtuous, the maker of righteousness, commended by the prophet David, saying: “His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever” (2-3); and by the wise Solomon, saying: “The ransom of man’s life is his riches” (Proverbs 13: 8). About such man who lacks this kind of good riches, the book of revelation says: “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I 1 On Ps. 112. 2 On Ps. 112. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 23 will spew you out of my mouth. Because you say: I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing; and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked – I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich, and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed” (Revelation 3: 16-18) 1. (Abba Pavnotius) 3- HE WHO FEARS THE LORD CHALLENGES THE DARKNESS: “Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness. He is gracious, merciful, and righteous” (4) “Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness”. In truth, those who fear God direct their hearts toward God; and in truth they walk together with their God, put His will above themselves; have no rude pride, and self-haughtiness; and remember that, “they were once darkness, but now they are light in the Lord” (Ephesians 5: 8). “He is gracious, merciful, and righteous”. We are glad to hear that He is gracious, and merciful; but we may be terrified to hear that He is “righteous” (Just). But, O man, who fear the Lord, and who rejoice greatly in His commandments, you should never be terrified nor despair. Be happy, merciful, and give. … Yet, “Judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy” (James 2: 13). God will not spew him from His mouth, for He says: “Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6: 37- 38) 2. (St. Augustine) “Unto the upright, there arises light in the darkness” … By the darkness he means if they are passing through afflictions, difficulties, temptations, and dangers. But he directly adds that they will feel a great comfort. As men at that time (when in affliction) tended to disregard heaven, and search for God on earth, here he puts before their eyes a certain consideration that would lead them up high with no limits3. (St. John Chrysostom) 1 Cassia, conferences 3: 9. 2 On Ps. 112 (111). 3 On Ps. 112. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 24 “He is gracious, merciful, and righteous (Just)”. … Notice how God is merciful and righteous (Just) at the same time. If you are a sinner, do not despair of being forgiven; for God is merciful. And if you are proud, and abusing the mercy of God, Beware for He is righteous (just) as well1. (St. Jerome) You should know that you are not light for yourself, You are rather an eye, and not a light. What would be the use of an eye, even if it is open and sound, if there is no light? I have been darkness, but You are the Light to scatter my darkness and enlighten my ways. I am not light for myself; and I have no portion in the light except by You2. (St. Augustine) The prophet calls ignorance darkness, as well as the tribulations and temptations. But he, who fear the Lord, and loves His commandments, his teaching will shine on those without knowledge, support those in tribulations, and enlightens their darkness, as though he is light. Before the incarnation of our Lord, the darkness of vanity prevailed upon the whole world; and men sough God on the earth among the creation which they worshipped, That is why the Lord shined incarnate on the earth to enlighten them, to lift their minds high up. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) 4- HE WHO FEARS GOD WILL BE STEADFAST FOREVER: “A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion” (5) He Who fears the Lord, does not only follow the lead of his Creator, but draws from the fellowship of His features, to become a living portrait of his Savior, in compassion and giving, not for any personal benefit, material or symbolic, but for the sake of his love for the evangelic truth. 1 On Psalms. Homily 38 on Ps. 111 (112). 2 Sermons On N.T. Lessons, Homily 17: 8. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 25 If the Mosaic law forbids the believer to take interest or usury on debt from a brother in affliction; Under the shadow of the gospel, a believer would give his brother in need with joy and pleasure. See the multitude of rewards given to those who love; how the fruit of their compassion endures forever, how they are relieved of temptation, and how they follow the lead of their God, the merciful, and the forgiver of sins. Saying, “He will guide his affairs with discretion” (5 LXX), he means, by his mercy and compassion, he will get the benefit of being defended and protected in the day of judgment. And according to another interpretation, he will enjoy great goods, and will never be shaken. The psalmist calls him who guides his affairs with discretion, ‘merciful”, on account of that he purchases the bountiful with a little; he purchase heaven with wealth, the kingdom with clothes, and the coming goods with bread and a cold drink. What could be compared to such a discretion, when you forsake perishable and corrupt things, to get instead such endurable goods; and would accordingly enjoy security in the present life1? (St. John Chrysostom) Because the Lord is gracious and compassionate, the righteous man, following His lead, would also be gracious and merciful2. (St. Jerome) The rich man is not he who possess and keeps his wealth, but he who gives and does not receive; for he is happy. Generosity is the fruit of the soul; and the true riches abides in the heart3. (St. Clement of Alexandria) “A good man deals graciously and lends” (5). How much more would be he who lends God here on earth, to to get it doubled in the eternal life? He would then be worthy to stand before the throne of judgment of the eternal Judge, and before the angels. He would be able to say with surety and pure conscience: Give, O Lord, for I have given; Have mercy, O Lord, for I have shown mercy. (Father Caesarius, bishop of Arle) 1 On Ps. 112. 2 On Psalms. Homily 38 on Ps. 111 (112). 3 Paedagogus 3: 6: 35. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 26 A good man has compassion upon his fellow human brethren, not for the sake of any profit, but hoping for the reward of God. For he who gives alms to men, would be as though he lends the Lord Himself, who will pay him double back; according the wise words of Solomon in his proverbs. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “Surely he will never be shaken. The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance” (6) He who fears the Lord will never be shaken from his position or his pious behavior; and his giving will never let him lose his inner riches, and his outer possibilities; And being honored by God Himself, he will be a living role model along the generations; according to what came in Malachi: “The Lord listened and heard; So a book of remembrance was written before Him” (Malachi 3: 16); And to the words of the Lord Himself, saying: “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the book of life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels” (Revelation 3: 5) St. Clement of Alexandria1 says that the Gnostic, namely, the exemplary Christian with the true knowledge, is “the righteous who will never be shaken”; for he uses all kinds of knowledge, and never fears philosophy, but draws benefit from it. People usually fear philosophy, like kids who fear masks; but a Christian, by faith, can recognize the truth, and discern between it and vain views. He would be like an experienced cashier who can separate the genuine money from the counterfeit ones; So the Gnostic would not be deceived by the false words. … The psalmist cries out, saying: “The righteous will never be shaken” (6), neither by the false words, nor by the sinful pleasures; he will never be shaken from his inheritance; “He will not be afraid of evil tidings” (7); nor of baseless slanders spread around him2. Someone may say that the Greeks have discovered philosophy through their human understanding; but I find the Holy Book say that the understanding is from God; for which the psalmist cries out, saying: “I am Your servant, give me understanding, that I may know Your testim0omies” (Psalm 119: 125) 3. (St. Clement of Alexandria) 1 Strom. 6: 10. آباء مدرسة الإسكندري، 1980 ، ص 2 .76 3 Strom. 6: 8. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 27 “He will never be shaken”; that was exactly what the Lord Christ said about him who builds his house on the rock, the rain, the flood, and the wind will not shake it (Matthew 7: 25). What is noteworthy is that you would not be safe of temptations in the wilderness, but you will be steadfast before the persistent deceptions of others. The soul, rich with giving, would never be beaten by the waves of miserable feelings1. “The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance” (6)…. Even after death and burial in the ground, his remembrance will be always green everywhere. The power of virtue is that it does not submit to the passing of time, and is not corrupted by the running of days. That may be true with the wicked, but the virtuous are in no need of the good testimony of people. … The psalmist particularly shows that virtue bears its own reward2. He who works or talk with righteousness, and discernment, will never be shaken from his mission, neither by grief, by tribulation, by threats from anyone, nor by any evil tidings; like the righteous ‘Job’ on whom the evil tidings of the loss of his children and all his possessions came in succession, and yet he only said: “Naked I came to the world, and naked shall I depart from it” (Job 1: 21). (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (7) Many evil tidings may come to the attention of him who fears the Lord, yet, his heart where the Lord dwells, and protects in His hands, will never be shaken, but will stay steadfast. God is the Rock on which he is founded, never to be shaken by the tempests of this life. He will not be afraid of evil tidings” … He does not say: ‘he will not hear any evil tidings, but he will not be afraid to hear them. Even if he sees war, earthquake, thieves, attacks by hooligans, deadly illness, etc. he will not be afraid. Why? … Because he has deposited his wealth in a secure place…. Approaching the end of the way will not worry him, but will make him hasten to set forth to the destination he truly longing to reach; “For where his treasure is, there his heart will also be” (Matthew 6: 21). 1 On Ps. 112. 2 On Ps. 112. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 28 “His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (7). Nothing will disturb him, or bind him to the present things, but he will rather concentrate his eyed ahead toward God, in anticipation of the realization of his hope1. (St. John Chrysostom) You have surely heard, O brethren, much commendation on mercy. Well, wish for it, and long for it, seek it, and once you get it hold fast to it with all your might, in this world, lest it would despise you in the life to come. … Now, if we all, humans, seek mercy, let it be our advocate in this life, so that it will condescend to welcome you, and defend you in the future. If we despise it in our land, How could she condescend to look at us in her land2?! (Father Caesarius, bishop of Arle) “His heart is established; he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies” (8) It is a double foundation upon which their security is set: of the grace coming from above, and from the possibilities down here; nothing can disturb them, neither slanders dwelling upon them, nor calamities, or the loss of wealth, for they have nothing to lose; they forsake their wealth here for the sake of heaven, to go up there, where no evil can approach. … Who could be an enemy of such a person, except the evil demons, and the devil himsel3f?! (St. John Chrysostom) Let our heart be steadfast, until we see our desire upon our enemies; who intend to see the good things for men here in the land of the mortals; while we, on the other hand trust that the goodness of the Lord, are there in the land of the living (Psalm 27: 13) 4. (St. Augustine) 5- THE COMPASSIONATE MAN WHO FEARS THE LORD: “He has dispersed freely ; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be exalted with honor” (9) 1 On Ps. 112. 2 Sermon 26: 1. 3 On Ps. 112. 4 On Ps. 112 (111). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 29 The man who fears the Lord is characterized by being calm, courageous, having a steadfast heart, and would never lose his inner peace. The secret of all that is his trust in God. Having a sound personality, the true believer will never be shaken by temptations, however strong and diverse. God will pay back the believer who opens his heart by practical love to the poor, by providing him with the spirit of strength (the horn), and glory. When St. Basil the Great was threatened by Caesar, he said to him: [This ‘bugbear’ you threaten me with, you may use to frighten the children]. … And St. Athanasius the apostolic says: [It is no more than mist that will soon scatter]. The righteous man has compassion; and lends. All the riches submit at the feet of the wise and the righteous man, who counts all what the others have as his own, and all what he has as a public possession1. (St. Ambrose) Lend God of your wealth, to be true rich. We are taught by the Lord Himself how to do this, saying: “Sell what you have and give alms, provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches, nor moth destroys” (Luke 12: 33)And the blessed David, saying: “He has dispersed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever” (9) 2. The word “horn” (9) refers, not only to power, but also to the royal authority; For Christ our Savior, who came from the household of David the king, is the King of kings, and the great might of God the Father3. (St. Cyril the Great) Let us now see whom the psalmist means by the giver of alms; him who gives from the abundance he has, or him who denies himself what is his. It is obvious that he means the later one who denies himself what is his, and gives it bountifully, according to the words of the apostle Paul, saying: “Who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9: 6). 1 Duties of The Ckergy, 1: 25: 118. 2 In Luc. Homily 91. 3 In Luc. Ch1. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 30 Notice how the inspired author uses his words in an amazing way. He does not say: ‘distributed’, nor ‘divided’, but he says “dispersed”, which refers to how the giver bountifully scatters his gifts … the way a farmer disperses his seeds, even when he is not sure of how the crop will be; but you, are In God’s hands, where nothing will be wasted1. “His horn will be exalted with honor”. Here he refers to what men always desire of good reputation; which the righteous will have in this life, as well as in the life to come; for no one will have a better reputation than the merciful man. Virtue is commended, even by him who does not practice it; and iniquity, as well, is hateful, and condemned, even by him who practices it2. In case you wish to have control your money, do not keep it, but give it to the poor. For money is like a wild beast, that will escape, if you try to hold fast to it, whereas if you leave it loose, it may stay. Hence it is said: “He dispersed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever” (9). Disperse it then, to keep it with you; and do not bury it, lest it will flee from you. If I may ask those who have already departed: ‘where is your riches?’ I do not mean this as a rebuke; God forbids; nor opening up old wounds and soars; but I intend to find for you all a refuge far from the perdition that dwelt upon others3. According to the wise Solomon, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1: 2); and to the blessed David, “He heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them” (Psalm 39: 6). Vanity of vanities are the magnificent buildings you built for yourself, the flocks of slaves you have, and the immense riches you collected … for all that did not come from the hand of God, but you own doing. … Why are they vanity? Because they have no goal of benefit… Riches become vanity if it is spent on luxuries; but become of benefit if it is “dispersed and given to the poor” (9) 4. (St. John Chrysostom) Saying “dispersed’, refers to bountiful giving of alms, jut like what a farmer does when he bountifully disperse his seeds on a land of 1 On Ps. 112. 2 On Ps. 112. عظتان عن أتروبیوس. 3 4 Homilies on Ephesians, 12. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 31 doubtful fertility, hoping for an increased crop; How much more would he who deposits his treasures in heaven?! (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) Being attached to heavy issues, man would not be light; It is befitting of us, therefore, to keep away from the earthly things that brings us down, and to be preoccupied with the things that buoy us up to the heavenly places. He who gives the poor, will have the Lord Jesus Christ as our partner. You, therefore, should not fear poverty, for He, who made Himself poor for our sake, reigns on all creation; and if you become poor through giving, you will reign together with Him; He who said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5: 3)1. (St. Gregory of Nyssa) The apostle does not judge those who possess riches, but rather those who desires it, when he says: Those who seek to become rich, may fall into temptation, and into the snares of the devil2. (Father Caesarius, bishop of Arle) Giving the necessities to those in need, we are actually giving them what is theirs, and not what is ours. We are rather giving the debt of justice, and we are not doing an act of mercy; Hence the divine Truth warns us, saying: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before me” (Matthew 6: 1) 3; which conforms to what the psalmist says: “He has dispersed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness (justice) endures forever” (9). Here, when he talks about giving to the poor, he uses the word “justice” instead of ‘mercy’; for the gift given to us by God, is surely a matter of justice, when we present that gift for public benefit; Hence the wise Solomon says: “The righteous gives and does not spare4” (Proverbs 21: 26) 5 (St. Gregory the Great) There is a Good One who creates good men; And there is a good one through whom good is done. The former is God, for no one can make 1 The Beatitudes, serm. 1. 2 Sermon 48: 4. 3من أننا قد نعمل أفعال الخیر ویرانا الناس ویتمجد لله، إلا أنھ یجب ألا نفعل ھذا فقط لیرانا الناس. مثل ھذا الزھو والمباھاة لن أي "Justice" و "Just" ینالا المكافأة. وإن كلمتي "صدقة" و "صدیق" یقابلھما في النص الإنجلیزي عن نسخة الفولجاتا "العدالة و "العادل". لا یتوقف الصدیق عن تقدیم الصدقة، إذ یظل قادرًا على فعلھا، لأن لله یجزیھ ویثریھ 4 5 Pastoral Care, 3: 21. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 32 man good, except the “Good One” forever. You, therefore should call God to make you good…. But there is something good, by which you can do good; namely, all that you possess, like gold and silver, which, although they are good things, yet they cannot make you good, but through them you can do something good. You have gold and silver, yet you wish for more. Namely, you are both satisfied and thirsty at the same time. It is an ailment and not riches; like when someone is ill with dropsy, his body would be oversaturated with water, and yet they are always thirsty. You indeed have gold, which is, itself, good; and yet you do not have what makes you good, but, what you can do good with. That is what you should do with your gold; “Disperse it freely, give it to the poor; your righteousness will endure forever” (9). Do good with the good which cannot make you good. You have wealth, use it bountifully to grow in righteousness… See what decreases and what increases; Your wealth may decrease, but your righteousness will certainly increase. What you are to lose eventually will decrease; and what you will possess eternally will increase1. (St. Augustine) 6- THE WICKED WILL BE BELITTLED BEFORE THE MAN WHO FEARS THE LORD: “The wicked will see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing” (10) The psalmist does not speak of the wicked with some kind of gloat, but with grief for his condition. He who fears the Lord bears the blessed life, and the joyful hope in his depths, anticipating the day of his glory with joy and gladness of the heart; whereas the wicked, bearing his corruption and his sins within him, despair will prevail on his heart, lose his peace, anticipating his day to come. The wicked cannot stand seeing the righteous before him; for he represents a heavy burden on his heart; according to the words of wisdom: “The very sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of others” (Wisdom 2: 15); and to St. John Chrysostom, saying: [The thief hates the light2]. Virtue disturbs iniquity, and is a burden on it. Just like the fire destroys the thorns and thistles, compassion stirs up the cruel men, for 1 Sermon on NT Lessons, 11: 3. 2 Homilies on 2 Corin. 28: 3. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 33 it represents an accusation against iniquity. The wicked, even those crowned with authority, usually cannot dare to stir directly at the power of virtue in the righteous. Those with virtue, on the contrary, even if they are in need or in prison, they are of better reputation than those on thrones, and, in complete peace of mind, they relax, as though in a quiet and calm haven; they have the ability to avenge themselves against the wicked by utter their utter silence. … Above everything else, who are more miserable than those who live in sin1?! (St. John Chrysostom) When the mean see the truth of those who bountifully give, they become angry, and gnash their teeth; So will be the devil, and the non-believers when they see how the believers flourish in faith. All those will be consumed, together with their vain desires, by the unquenchable fire. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) Even before the day of judgment, the conscience within the wicked will torment him; And after committing evil, he will find no place to escape from punishment; for he, himself, will become punishment enough for his crime2. (Father Caesarius, bishop of Arle) 1 On Ps. 112. 2 Sermon 218: 4. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 34 AN INSPIRATION FROM PSALM 112 SHINE, O LORD, WITH THE LIGHT OF YOUR LOVE IN ME My depths cry out to You, O the true Light; Who will set me free from the darkness? And Who will shine in me, but You? Nail Your fear in my flesh; For Your fear grants me wisdom; Your fear brings me forth up to the heaven of your splendid love; When I listen to Your commandments, my soul exults; On them, my soul feeds, and become stronger; Your word works in me; To bear the fruits of the amazing spirit. Draw me by Your Holy Spirit, to run to You; And many will run together with me to enjoy You; I will have mighty descendants on earth; I will testify to Your gospel by the work of Your grace in me; You bless me, and bless many together with me; To enjoy Your glories and riches; To bear Your righteousness, O Holy One; All the tempests of evil cannot harm us; For in You, the Rock of ages, we hide, and endure forever; When You shine on us with the light of Your love; We see You as the wholly love and compassion; The wholly righteousness and justice; In the midst of our weaknesses, we shall never despair; When we look up to You, You forgive our sins by Your cross; All the hosts of the enemy will not be able to make us lose our hope in You; You are righteous and just, In case the enemy make us slothful, we resort to You; Nailing Your fear in us, we shall no more be slothful ; Grant me the spirit of compassion, to be like You; Grant me the spirit of mercy, to be like You; Let me lend my brethren; Let me present to them all what You gave me; For all what I have are Yours; I am indebted to You with my whole life and possibilities; https://coptic-treasures.com/ 35 Grant me the spirit of wisdom, to dispense my affairs well; I desire nothing beside You; I fear no one but You; The whole world is belittled in my eyes; Even the whole earth goes away before me; All around me will be shaken; But I shall be steadfast in You forever; I shall not be afraid of evil tidings, whatever they are; My heart will never be shaken, as long as it is in Your hands; My soul will lean on Your chest; By the two wings of the Spirit, they will be lifted up to heaven; No enemy can disturb me; By You, all the hosts of darkness, will not be able to quench the light You poured in me; For Your dwelling pours an amazing splendor in my depths. Why would the enemy keep disturbing me? Why would he keep trying to make the way of virtue impossible before me? Virtue is nothing but to be attached to You, who dwell in my depths; While Iniquity and evil are fleeing away from You; Encountering You, I will enjoy the glory of virtue; And every iniquity will fall down like autumn leaves; You are my life, glory, and riches; What should I seek more than to have Your fear nailed in me; And to have Your love kindle my whole being?
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