THE DAILY BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE OF GOD Although, according to some, this psalm concerns the new temple built by Zerubbabel after the return from the Babylonian captivity. It is actually the song of the whole humanity praising the Lord for the sake of her liberation from the captivity of the devil, and her building a holy spiritual temple for the Lord. 1- A new building, and a new song of praise 1 - 2 2- A building in every nation 3 - 8 3- He reigns upon a tree 9 - 10 4- Exultation of the heavenly and the earthly creatures11 – 13 The title: A song of praise to God coming in judgment. According to the Septuagint and the Coptic versions, the title of this psalm came as: ‘A praise by David when the temple was rebuilt after the return from captivity. And according to St. Jerome, the title of this psalm is an invitation to every believer to rebuild his house, destroyed by the enemies. This house in his heart is, in truth, the house of the Lord, built through the fear of the Lord through repentance. In the book of Exodus, it is told about the two midwives in the days Moses was born, who refrained from killing the Hebrew newborns, according to the command of the evil Pharaoh, And “Because they feared God, He provided households for them” (Exodus 1: 21). God actually built houses for Himself in their depths. After the Babylonians destroyed the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, the believers, returning from captivity rebuilt the temple destroyed by the enemies. This work should be done every day, as the devil would never cease to destroy the temple of the Lord in us through sin. We, should not cease to rebuild the house of the Lord or His temple in ourselves, through repentance and the fear of the Lord. What we say, concerning every believer, applies to the church every day. The enemy keep on opposing her, and the fear of the Lord builds what is destroyed every day. Let us then pray to the Lord, first, and before anything else, that our house will never be destroyed; that the Chaldeans and the Assyrians would not come and destroy the temple of Christ in us. But in case it https://coptic-treasures.com/ 93 falls by necessity, we could be saved by a wooden board, after the collapse of our ship. This house of Christ, as is clear from the words of the psalmist, is being rebuilt every day in the life of the repentant … which applies, as well, to the church of Christ, after her eventual falling1. (St. Jerome) We are committed to exert every effort, and use every knowledge, to keep away the complete destruction; so that, what is written in the book of Exodus: “Because the two midwives feared God, He provided households for them” (Exodus 1: 21), would be realized in us. … Notice that, because they feared God, they were provided with households of their own. With no fear of God, no household would be provided. If, therefore, by the fear of God, households are built by those who commit sins, and being rebuilt would even became the subject of God’s pleasure, What should we, the captives of sin, do?... Listen, O sinner. We should truly fear God, and avoid sin. Yet, even after falling, there will be another (wooden board) by which we would be saved – repentance! … As long as there is still time, the door is open wide for repentance. However long your life may be, as long as you still live, you may fall any time2! (St. Jerome) 1- A NEW BUILDING, AND A NEW SONG OF PRAISE: “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth” (1) Having enjoyed the new creation in Jesus Christ, we came to have a new spiritual tongue, to sing a new praise. “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song”. What a blessed repentance! For even, if you fall, in case you repent, you would definitely proclaim a new house for Christ … And the new house requires a new song of praise! “Sing to the Lord, all the earth”. This phrase nullifies what the Jews and the followers of Novatian claim! … “Sing to the Lord, all the earth”; not just in Jerusalem. but all over the earth! … According to Novatian, there are sins, which could be repented, like telling lies, swearing in vain, and stealing. There are, however, other sins, like adultery and murder, which would never be repented. … Now, I beg you 1 On Psalms, homily 23. 2 On Psalms, homily 72. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 94 listen to the words of the psalm, saying: “Sing to the Lord, all the earth”. By saying: “All the earth”, this will include both the adulterer and the murderer, and every other sin on earth, all sins without exception, that carries the seal of the earth. Repent any sin you may commit, and you will certainly be saved1! “Sing to the Lord a new song”. As the old man would be destroyed, and a new man would be built, a new song should be joyfully said to the Lord by all the earth! The earth that faithfully return to the Lord, will continually sing to Him the praises of thanksgiving, with the sweet and strong voice of young men2. (St. Jerome) Through the presence of our Lord, all things are renewed, according to the words of the apostle: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5: 17). In us, as well, is consummated what is written in another psalm, that “our youth is renewed like an eagle”; having cast away from ourselves the old man, concerning the early corrupt behavior; our minds are renewed by the Spirit; we have put on the new man, regaining the image of his Creator; and we acquired a new covenant. That is why, at the birth of our Lord, the angels praised Him with a new song, saying: “Glory to Him in the Highest …”. We, as well, should sing this new praise, for Him who built the new house; namely, His body, which He took from the perpetual virgin. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) According to St. Augustine, the building of the house of the Lord is realized by building the church all over the earth; namely, by spreading faith in the Lord Christ in all nations. This building is to be realized by the new commandment of Christ; namely, love through the cross, to have a new praise, and a new building. This building grows and increase among the nations, by the work of the fiery Holy Spirit. If the whole earth sings a new praise, this is the building realized by singing praise. The work of praise is the building; but only if it is not an old praise, sung by the lusts of the body, but a new praise, sung by love. … Now hear why it is called a new praise. The Lord says: “A new commandment I give to you; to love one another” The whole 1 On Psalms, homily 23. 2 On Psalms, homily 72. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 95 earth, therefore, sings a new praise, when the house of the Lord is built1. (St. Augustine) “Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day” (2) “Bless His name”. The name of the Lord is “the Savior”; for the sake of His work of salvation in us. What does he mean by saying: “Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day”? The righteous understands it in the following way: Sing to the Lord every day; a day after day; Or sing to Him today, and sing to Him tomorrow. This interpretation is obvious. Yet, there is a deeper meaning behind the words: “Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day”. If the psalmistsay: ‘Sing to the Lord day and night’, if we take the words literally. We would face a problem: Can we also praise the Lord at night, if we praise Him during the day? …. Now, you should know what he means: When you praise the Lord, praise Him always in the light of virtues; not in the darkness of sins. I wish the sun of Christ always shines in your souls, that a new light perpetually shines in you. “Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day”. Now, let us study this phrase from a different angle. There are only two days, not three, four, or five days: The Old and the New Covenants, during which Christ shines. Do not praise Him just in the Old Covenant, lest you will be a Jew; And do not praise Him just in the New Covenant, lest you will be a follower of ‘Mani’. … Praise Him from day to day; namely, in both the Old and the New Covenants, for those two days emit one and the same light; Hence it is written in the book of Leviticus: “Among the beasts, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, and chewing the cud – that you may eat” (Leviticus 11: 3), otherwise it is not clean … A man of the church “divides the hoof, and chews the cud”; namely, he believes in both the Old and the New Covenants, and mostly contemplates in both. Whatever is buried in the letter, will rise up in the Spirit2. (St. Jerome) As to saying: “Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day” (2), it is as though said by our Lord Himself, who commanded His disciples to “go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing 1 On Ps. 96 (95). 2 On Psalms, homily 23. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 96 them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28: 19); And so they did according to His command, went to all the nations, and “proclaimed the good news of His salvation” (2), and spoke of His glory, and of His wonders. Saying: “from day to day”, He teaches us that He wants them to do that all the time. Those who give the good news of the salvation of the Lord, have the knowledge of the ‘first’ day, namely, the Old Covenant; And from that day, they get the inspiration of the ‘second’ day, namely, the New Covenant. Those two days, therefore, are enlightened by the light of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, and the ray of the glory of God the Father. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) 2- A BUILDING IN EVERY NATION: “Declare His glory among the nations; His wonders among the peoples” (3) According to St. Augustine, the house built, keeps on growing “from day to day” among all the nations, through preaching, or the proclamation of the good news, not for the glory of the preachers who build, but for the glory of the Lord Himself. For he who seeks his own glory, does not present a new praise to the Lord. “Declare His glory among the nations” (3); His glory, and not yours! If you choose, O preachers, to declare your own glory, you would fall. But if you choose to declare His glory, you, yourselves would be built, while building. Those who choose to declare their own glory, refuse to dwell in that building, and hence, they do not sing a new praise among all the nations1. (St. Augustine) In the prophecy of Isaiah, it came: “O Lord, You are my God, I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsel of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isaiah 25: 1). Our Lord and God Jesus Christ has done wonderful things; namely, raising the dead. healing the sick, and all the other good deeds, told by the evangelists to the nations; to prove the old and faithful counsel of God; which is that man is created according to the image of God; 1 On Ps. 96 (95). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 97 an image renewed by our Lord, when He created man anew by His own incarnation. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods” (4) “For the Lord is great, and He could never be praised as would befit Him”. Who is He, but the Lord Jesus Christ, who could not be praised as would befit Him?... You certainly know how He appeared as Man; conceived in the womb of a woman; born, suckled, carried on arms, circumcised, and an offering was presented on His behalf to the temple of God…. You certainly know How He grew up, to be smitten, spat on, crowned with thorns, crucified, stabbed by a spear, and died. … You certainly know how He endured all those things! “He is great indeed, and was never praised as would befit Him”. … Let us now, praise Him; preach Him; proclaim His glory; and build His house1! (St. Augustine) “For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens” (5) Saying: “He is feared by all gods; And, “For all the gods of the peoples are idols” (or demons); he intends to make it clear that he does not mean that they are true gods, but he means to rebuke those who count the idols or demons as gods, and for worshipping them. Such words, namely, calling idols gods, are used, not as though they are true gods, but to teach us that the true God is the Creator of all, the Only Lord above all those who were vainly called gods. To convince us of it, the Holy Spirit says on the tongue of David: “For all the gods of the peoples are idols(demons, and not gods). And brought a curse over all those who worship them2. (St. Justin the martyr) All the nations used to have demons as gods as is more clearly declared by the apostle, saying: “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God” (1 Corinthians 10: 20); they were, therefore captivated by the devil; and the whole earth was worshippers of wooden images. After saying: “He is to be feared by all gods” (4), he added: “for all the gods of the peoples are idols” 1 On Ps. 96 (95). 2 Dialogue with Trypho, 55. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 98 …But, if that was all the commendation that God gets, it would not be befitting enough for Him… But listen to what to follow: “But the Lord made the heavens: (5) … See the glory given to God! See the difference between the heavens and the Maker of heavens! If God is the Maker of heavens, He is also the Maker of angels, and of the apostles, to whom the demons submitted, who were, themselves heavens, that carried the Lord, and preached His glory to the nations1! (St. Augustine) “Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary” (6) According to the Septuagint and the Coptic version, it came as: “Confession and splendor are before Him; Purity and great majesty are in His sanctuary”. In some detail, St. Augustine talks to us about how every man desires to have the splendor and beauty of the angels; when the way to their splendor is the confession of our sins; and the way to their beauty is their righteousness and purity. Let us therefore, start by confessing our sins, to enjoy the splendor and beauty of angels; and follow up by seeking righteousness, to get greatness and authority. Do you love splendor? Do you wish to be beautiful? Confess. He did not say: “Beauty and confession”, but said: “Confession and beauty”; You were corrupt; “Confess” to become beautiful! … You sinned; “Confess” to become righteous. … You distorted yourself; and cannot make yourself beautiful! … Of what kind is the One who betroths us; It is He, who loves the corrupt, to make her beautiful? It is He, who said: “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9: 13). … Is He calling the sinners to remain sinners? … No, “Confession and beauty are before Him”. They honor Him by confessing their sins; by vomiting the evils they have greedily devoured; but not to return to their vomit, like an unclean dog (2 Peter 2: 22). There, would then be confession and beauty! If we love beauty, let us then first choose confession, for beauty will certainly follow. Again, there is he, who loves honor and majesty; and intends to be as great as the angels. Angels have a certain kind of honor and majesty, which if they practice up to the end, they would be irresistible … Everyone seeks the honor of angels, but not everyone seeks their 1 On Ps. 96 (95). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 99 righteousness… You have first to love their righteousness, for their honor will certainly follow1. Instead of seeking honor first, start by seeking righteousness; for once you become righteous, you will also be honorable! If you, in a way contrary to logic, seek first to be honorable, you will probably fall, and will not be able to stand aright. You will stand in a better way, if He, who sets you up, is the One who never falls; He, who came down to you, who have fallen; who came down, stretched His hands to you. Being unable to stand again on your own, hold fast to the strong hand stretched to help you2. (St. Augustine) “Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the nations; Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength ” (7) If the psalm refers to the temple of Jerusalem, what would be the meaning behind the word: “Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the nations; Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength”? … Families of the nations and peoples. are those constituting the church3. (St. Jerome) How would we ascribe to the Lord glory and strength? The Holy Book refers to the passions of the Lord Christ as being His glory; As by His cross He has torn the statement of our sins, destroyed the authority of the devil and his hosts, and made a spectacle of them.. When we suffer and be crucified together with the Lord Christ; and the devil and his works would have no more authority over us, we will be countedas ascribing glory to the Lord; for He would then be glorified in us. As to ascribing strength to Him, He, who has no need for more strength, as He is the Almighty; We, being the children of God, carrying His strength in us, according to the words of the apostle John: “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong” (1 John 1: 14); We shall be as though have ascribed strength to the Lord. Now, the psalm calls the families of the nations, to ascribe “glory” to the Lord; to glorify Him by what befit Him, by doing good deeds,to be seen by men, who would glorify God. 1 On Ps. 96 (95). 2 On Ps. 96 (95). 3 On Psalms, homily 23. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 100 “and honor”… Namely, they would honor Him as a Father, for He has qualified them to be His children by adoption; and to shout loudly to Him in their prayers, saying: “Our Father, who are in heaven”. The glory of our Lord is also the cross; As those who crucify their “self”; namely, put to death the lusts of their bodies, are ascribing glory to His name. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering and come into His courts” (8) According to the Septuagint and the Coptic versions, it came as: “Carry the sacrifices, and set forth; Enter into His courts; Praise the Lord in His holy sanctuary”. The psalmist calls on us to bring offerings, saying: “Bring an offering and come into His courts”. He seeks from us to offer works of love and mercy; according to the words of the Lord: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (Hosea 6: 6). Notice that the word “His courts and sanctuary” in the Septuagint version, came, once in plural, and then in singular tense; which apply, not to the Jewish, but to the Christian worship; as the Jews had only one temple in Jerusalem where sacrifice were offered; Whereas in the church of the New Covenant, the sacrifice of the Eucharist is offered in all the churches of the world; considered as one court, being the one body of the Lord Christ. By saying: “Bring or (Raise) an offering ”. He means to say: Lift yourselves up by offering sacrifices of high caliber; namely, good, and heavenly works; and do not lower them down by offering to Him sacrifices of beasts! … As to saying “His courts”, in the plural tense, it refers to the multitude of churches all over the world, where the Gentiles offer their sacrifices, contrary to the one single temple of the Jews in Jerusalem, where the Jews used to offer theirs. As to saying: “His sanctuary” in the singular tense, it refers to the gathering together of the churches of the New Covenant, and their unity on one creed in Christ. They are called “His sanctuary”, being His one holy body. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) Notice that it is not possible to enter into a multitude of courts through a single one. If you wish to understand this secret somewhere else in the gospel; read about the merchant who, finding one pearl of great price, went and sold all the beautiful pearls he had, and bought https://coptic-treasures.com/ 101 it (See Matthew 13: 46); And the words of the prophet, saying: “Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths where the good way lies, and walk in it” (Jeremiah 6: 16). What would we understand in the many pearls, and the many paths, through which we may find the one pearl of great price, and the one good way? … Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the twelve minor prophets, David, and Solomon, are all the “courts”, “our courts”, through which we first enter, and from which we can ultimately reach the “court” of the gospel, where we can find the Lord Christ1. (St. Jerome) The confession is a gift (an offering) presented to God. In case, O atheist, you intend to enter into His courts, do not come emptyhanded; Bring a gift with you. … What kind of gift should we bring forth with us? The “broken heart”; as “A broken and a contrite heart – these O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51: 17). When you enter into the court of God with a humble and a contrite heart, you are bringing forth a gift to Him2. (St. Augustine) 3- HE REIGNS ON A TREE: “Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth” (9) According to the Septuagint and the Coptic versions, it came as: “Let the whole earth tremble before His face” The “face of the Lord” refers to His presence, and His appearance to men. Whereas “the earth” refers to mankind who inhabit it. With the coming of our Lord, incarnate, men were disturbed, and stood in awe before His wonders; and the earth trembled, and turned from denial to faith. … When faith in Christ the Lord was proclaimed, all the earthly creatures were disturbed. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) “Tremble before Him, all the earth” (9). Listen to the words of the psalmist. Heaven does not tremble in the presence of God; Whereas man, in his earthly thought, looks at the Lord with anxiety, greatly confused, and terrified3. 1 On Psalms, homily 23. 2 On Ps. 96 (95). 3 On Psalms, homily 23. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 102 (St. Jerome) “Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns, the world also is firmly established, it shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously’” (10) According to the Septuagint and the Coptic versions, it came as: “Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns on a tree’; He also established the universe, it shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously’”. By the incarnation of the Word of God, and His appearance among mankind, the earthly creatures trembled, and were disturbed. Whereas those who believed in Him, set forth among the nations, proclaiming the king who was rejected by the Jews. And as Paul and Barnabas said in Antioch in Pisidia: “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first, but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the end of the earth’. Now, when the Gentiles heard this they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord” (Acts 13: 46-48). As the call for faith has been presented to all nations, In His second coming, the Lord will judge the peoples righteously. He will proclaim Himself the Judge of the whole universe; will condemn those who stabbed Him, denied Him, and persecuted His church; and will crown the believers who were crucified together with Him, and endured sufferings for His sake. “Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns’”. Unless the earth trembles, and turns back from temporal preoccupations, the Lord will not reign among the nations1. (St. Jerome) (The tree) which is yours, makes you wooden; Whereas (the tree) of Christ will help you cross over the sea2. (St. Augustine) David said: “The Lord reigns (on a tree)” (10). And, prophesying about the fruit of this tree, he says: “The earth shall yield her increase” (Psalm 67: 6); … the tree shall bear her fruit; not that tree 1 On Psalms, homily 23. 2 On Ps. 96 (95). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 103 in paradise, which brought death to early men, but the tree of the passion of Christ, which gave them life1. (The scholar Tertullian) By His cross, He conquered kings, and put it a seal on their foreheads … They were glorified in Him; As in Him, their salvation is realized. That is the work that is fulfilled; that is the building that grows2! (St. Augustine) “The world also is firmly established; it shall not be moved” (10). Christ truly came, and made mankind firmly established, not to be moved all along eternity. His cross is the pillar of humanity; I do not mean its wooden material, but the passion associated with it. Now, this cross is everywhere, in Britain, in India, and all over the whole universe. Yet the gospel warns: “Unless you bear My cross and follow me every day …”; Unless you enslave yourself to the cross, as I am to you, you will not be My disciple3. (St. Jerome) 4- EXULTATIONOF THE HEAVENLY AND THE EARTHLY CREATURES: “Let the heaven rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness” (11) In the old, men could not bear to hear any mention of death, nor of the day of judgment. For them, death represented the utter destruction of man; and the day of judgment representeda serious confrontation of the weak human being before the wrath of the Almighty God over His creation. But now, with the proclamation of the evangelic truth, through the preaching of the word of God among the nations, death came to be a cross-over to paradise; and the day of judgment, came to be a heavenly wedding day, in which the believing humanity gets attached to her heavenly Groom. The psalmist describes that day by the words we have in our hands (11-13); when the heavenly hosts become in awe before the grace given to mankind on that day; when they get attached as a heavenly bride to her heavenly Groom; and set forth from the clouds to the bosom of God the Father. Who can describe the glory that will dwell upon humanity?! Who can express the awe of the heavenly creatures before such a joyful event?! 1 Answer to the Jews 12. 2 On Ps. 96 (95). 3 On Psalms, homily 23. https://coptic-treasures.com/ 104 The nations and peoples, who used to get terrified when they thought about that day, now tremble with exultation; as they turn into rivers flowing with living water, that bring pleasure to the city of God. “Let the heaven rejoice, and let the earth be glad” (11), for the sake of those who are purged and cleansed with a spiritual hyssop1; the power of Him2, who, in His passion, was offered to drink from a hyssop (John 19: 29), on a reed3 (Matthew 27: 48). As the heavenly hosts rejoice, I wish that the souls of men get ready to unite with the spiritual Groom; and hear “the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord’” (Isaiah 40: 3). It is far from being a simple thing, nor a union according to the flesh, but it is the experience of faith by the Holy Spirit who “searches all things” (1 Corinthians 2: 10). Where there is wealth or beauty, the groom quickly gives his consent; But here, the heavenly Groom does not seek the beauty of man, but the purity of the conscience of his soul; He does not seek his material wealth, but that of the goodness of his soul4. (St. Cyril of Jerusalem) The heavens, made by the Lord, which proclaim His glory, will rejoice; and the earth on which heaven rain will be glad. For the heavens are the preachers, and the earth are their listeners. “Let the sea roar, and all its fullness”; What sea? The world! … The whole world roared against the church, as it stretched to cover the whole earth5. (St. Augustine) But, prepare yourself to give thanks for all those things; according to the words of the saintly apostle, saying: “In everything give thanks” (Thessalonians 5: 18); whether “in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in infirmities, in reproaches, or in persecutions, for Christ’s sake” (See 2 Corinthians 6: 4-5; 12: 10). In everything that come over you, give thanks to God, for I wish you, as well, will “enter His rest” (Hebrew 4: 1); for “we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14: 22). أو أشنان داود: نبات من الفصیلة الشفویة ذو أوراق عطرة حریفة المذاق 1 الزوفا الروحي أو غیر المنظور ھو قوة الروح القدس المطھرة في المعمودیة، كقول المرتل "اغسلني بززوفاك فأطھر" (مز 2 .(7 :51 48 )ز 3 : یتحدث عن السید المسیح في آلالمھ إذ قدم لھ لیشرب من زوفا (یو 29 :19 )، ومن قصبة (مت 27 مقال 4 .1 :3 5 On Ps. 96 (95). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 105 Do not ever have doubt within yourself, and do not let your heart fail in anything, but remember always the apostolic saying: “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4: 16). Unless you can bear the sufferings, you cannot come to the cross; But if you do, you will reach the haven of His rest; and from then on, you will live in peace, more liberated from preoccupations, will have your soul firmly established, and will get attached to the lord in everything; together with faith in your guardian angel, rejoicing in hope, glad in love, in the protection of the heavenly Holy Trinity; And in you, the saying will be realized: “Let the heavens rejoice, and the earth be glad” (11). For this is the life of no worry for the man of God; for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, will rejoice for the salvation of your soul, O beloved brother! (St. Parsnovius) Today, the heavenly hosts will sing the joyful tunes of praise; and the light of preaching Christ will shine, glittering over the believers! Today, is our joyful spring, in which Christ, the Sun of Righteousness will shine with His rays on us, giving light to the minds of believers! Today, Adam is healed. And will fly together with the chorus of angels toward heaven! Today, the grace of God, and hope in the unseen, will shine through the exalted wonderful sceneries; and the secret, hidden since eternity, will be clearly revealed. Today, the saying of David will be realized: “Let the heavens rejoice, and the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord” (Psalm 96: 11-13); referring to men as trees; as St. John the Baptist did, committed to bear fruits worthy of repentance (Matthew 3: 8). However, our Lord Jesus Christ, promising perpetual happiness to His believers, say: “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and your joy, no one will take from you” (John 16: 22). Today, the secret of Christians is clearly proclaimed … who, by their own free will, they put their hope in Christ! (St. Gregory, the wonder-maker) “Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord” (12) https://coptic-treasures.com/ 106 According to father Onesimus of Jerusalem, the fields or the valleys, where the Lord Christ used to preach, will rejoice, and the trees of the woods will become glad, for our Lord has honored them by the cross taken from them. The trees that were fruitless, will, through the cross, present to us the fruit of life, or the bread of life descending from heaven. The meek, the gentle, and the righteous, are the valleys of God … And the trees of the woods are the idol-worshippers! Why are they glad? For they are cut from a wild olive tree, and grafted in a good one (Romans 11: 17) 1. (St. Augustine) The trees of the woods rejoice because our Lord honored them by His cross on which He was lifted up. The trees of the woods also refer to men who were before fruitless, and lack every good work; Then, by the coming of our Lord they became fruitful, and worthy of being planted in the paradise of joy, where they would rejoice forever. (Father Onesimus of Jerusalem) For the Lord is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth; He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth” (13) According to the Septuagint and the Coptic versions, it came as: “Before the face of the Lord, for He is coming. He is coming to judge the earth …”. He first came, then He will come again. He first came to His church on the clouds; namely, on the apostles who preached Him; according to the words of St. Paul: “We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us; we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5: 20). I wish we do not resist His first coming, lest we become terrified on His second coming. You heard in the gospel: “Woe to those who are pregnant, and to those with nursing babies in those days” (Mark 13: 17); and, “Beware, … for you do not know when it will be”. He came, and He will come again to judge the earth. He will find those who believed in His first coming rejoicing “For He came” 2. (St. Augustine) 1 On Ps. 96 (95). 2 On Ps. 96 (95). https://coptic-treasures.com/ 107 AN INSPIRATION FROM PSALM 96 A RENEWABLE TEMPLE, AND A NON-AGING PRAISE You have built household for the two midwives; For they kept the infant Moses; I entreat You in fear and love: To set a household in me; Where to dwell, and proclaim Your kingdom; Make it a holy temple; And let Your Holy Spirit renew it forever. The devil complained to You; Together with all His hosts, he attempts to destroy Your temple in me; Let him destroy with his whole energies; For you, being greater, will perpetually rebuild it; Every day I cry out with the spirit of repentance, saying: “Forgive our trespasses” Forgive those sins that defile Your house. Grant me Your grace that presents Your righteousness to me; And sets Your kingdom in my depths. My sins mute my inner mouth; That I do not perceive how to praise You; But Your grace renews my depths And Your Spirit sings a new heavenly praise for the glory of Your holy name. No sin can corrupt my hope in You; For Your cross lifts me up to heaven; It destroys every sin whatever it may be. You are A God feared above all the gods of the nations; You are the Maker of heavens and all the heavenly hosts; Set Your kingdom in me; Let me challenge the devils; And let me be like Your angels. Confession and beauty are before You; I distorted Your image in me by my sins; And ugliness dwelt in my depths; Let me confess my sins to You; To enjoy the shining of Your splendor on me; https://coptic-treasures.com/ 108 Let me seek Your righteousness, O Holy One! To enjoy the honor enjoyed by Your angels Who can set Your house in me, but you? Yet, by my own free will, I have fallen into sin I have distorted the image in which You created me; The building has fallen down, and the temple was corrupted Who can raise me up, but You, the Resurrection? For You are the Builder and the Sanctifier of the building; By my own free will, I destroyed Your temple inside me; And I am not able to rebuild it; You came down to me, O Holy One; And stretched Your hand on the cross to embrace me; Grant me to get hold of Your hand; To raise me up from my grave; To grant me the life and the resurrection; To let me carry Your splendor and beauty inside me. Grant me the humble and contrite heart; To enter by it into Your holy house; That You receive as an acceptable offering and gift before You.
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