Беседа 37 на псалом 127 93

Ps.127:1. Song of Degrees. Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. The bliss of those who fear the Lord is higher and stronger than anything in which people usually seek their well-being. – There is no evil that the fear of God, accompanied by a virtuous life, cannot destroy. – There are many paths leading us to God, and the purpose of this divine dispensation. – How should you behave when you are sick? - How can one become a martyr today? – How should we understand the blessedness of those who fear the Lord depicted in this psalm? “And you will see the sons of your sons” (Ps. 127:6). 1. See how the prophet begins here where he ended there. Just as there he blessed those who are not ashamed, having God as their helper and protector, so here he begins in the same way: “blessed,” he says, “are all who fear the Lord.” Again he talks about everyone in general, about the Jews. He said well: “everything.” Whether someone is a slave or a master, poor or crippled, and whoever he is, nothing prevents him from having this bliss of which he speaks. Another false and imaginary bliss, which many strive for, can hardly be composed of many blessings united together; and if these goods are not united together, then none of the people can be happy. For example: whoever is rich, this is not enough for happiness, but health must be added to that, because whoever is rich but crippled is far from happy and is even more unhappy than the poor. Many rich people, but suffering from illness, consider the poor who collect alms in the alleys blessed, and consider themselves unhappy, despite thousands of talents. If someone is healthy and rich, but lacks fame, then again there is a new obstacle to happiness. There are people who, having a lot of wealth and a healthy body, suffer unbearably at the sight of military leaders or those invested with other power. Having no honors, they consider themselves the most unfortunate of all, being obliged to obey those in comparison with whom their servants are often much richer. Further, let there be fame and wealth and bodily health; but if there is no security from the machinations of countless enemies, envious, malicious, hating, condemning, slandering, then man will again be the most unhappy of all, he will spend the life of a hare, fearing shadows, trembling and fearing everyone. If he is free from this too, will be loved by everyone and everything will be safely united with him, and fame, and wealth, and security, and honors (which is impossible to unite, but let’s assume this), if all this will flock to him and there will be no lack of anything, if the love of the people, and the greatness of glory, and the abundance of wealth, and bodily health, and all possible security, and invincibility will be united with him, then such a person who has entered into marriage with an evil and depraved wife, she is often the most unhappy of all who do not have any of those blessings. Let his wife be kind and in agreement with his thoughts and desires; but he has bad children, and of necessity he is the most unhappy of all, or does not have them at all, and therefore he grieves and cries. In general, no matter what human being you look at, you will see many shortcomings. Why talk about anything else? Often a bad servant upsets and throws everything into disorder; and there is nothing so fragile as human pride. But the one who fears God is not like that: he is free from these waves, dwells in a quiet haven and tastes true bliss. That is why the prophet, leaving everything else, calls only him blessed. Human happiness is impossible if all the blessings do not flow together, or better to say, when they do flow together, then it fluctuates from the very thing that makes it up. Often wealth perishes, a beautiful wife dies, servants cheat, children become parricides, and in general, as I said, in many respects all this is fragile. And here, even if all the calamities come together, nothing not only harms bliss, but makes it stronger and more durable. Neither poverty, nor dishonor, nor bodily illness, nor the malice of a wife, nor the ill-will of children, nor anything else undermines or shakes this bliss. It does not have its origin from them, so as to be shaken by their vibration, but has a root from above, and therefore remains indestructible. If you want, we can explain this with examples. Joseph was not a slave, an exile, deprived of his fatherland, a slave of the barbarians, first the Saracens, and then the even more ferocious Egyptians. Was he considered an adulterer? Was he subjected to accusations and slander? Weren't you in prison? Was he imprisoned? But did he get any harm from it? On the contrary, that is why he became blessed. Truly, it is amazing that this bliss, as I said, not only does not decrease in any way, but even becomes more brilliant and glorious. If Joseph had not suffered such things, he would not have been so blessed. 2. Do you want me to talk about those who strongly indulged in vices, but then suddenly changed and abandoned all evil? Who was more unfortunate than the robber? But he suddenly became the happiest of all. He committed many murders, was sentenced to crucifixion, brought to death, condemned by everyone, spent all his time and spent his life in evil deeds; but since in a short time he showed, as it should, the fear of God, he became blessed. And the harlot, who sold her beauty and gave herself up to everyone’s reproach and therefore was the most unhappy of all, became blessed, showing, as she should, the fear of God. There is no evil that the fear of God cannot destroy. Just as fire, having received iron, even the most damaged and covered with a lot of rust, makes it clear and bright, purifying it and completely correcting the damage, so the fear of God in a short time completes everything and does not allow anything human to harm those who are imbued with it. Was not Timothy weak? Wasn't he constantly in illness and suffering? But who was more blessed than him? Job, tell me, wasn’t he in poverty, childlessness, in the most severe bodily ulcers? Have you not been subjected to insults, reproaches, slander, hunger and all human disasters? But he also became the most blessed of all. All this not only did not shake him, but also made him stronger. And his wife, along with all the others, upset him; but all this glorified him even more. Presenting all this, the prophet says: “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.” So that you would not think that fear is enough for you, he added: “those who walk in His ways,” pointing to both: “those who fear” and “who walk.” Many, having the right faith, but leading a depraved life, became the most unhappy of all. Therefore, so that his words would not seem unfair in this regard, he added: “those who walk in His ways.” And what are these ways of God if not a virtuous life? Through it one can ascend to heaven, reach the fatherland and see God Himself, as long as it is possible for a person to see Him. They are called “His ways” because through them one can ascend to God. The Prophet did not say: way, but: “ways,” expressing that they are numerous and different. God has arranged many paths so that their abundance will make our ascent to Him easy. Some people shine with virginity, others are glorified by marriage, others are decorated with widowhood; some rejected everything, others half; those ascend by righteous life, these by repentance. This is why God created so many paths so that it would be convenient for you to walk. Couldn't you keep your body clean after the baptismal bath? You can cleanse yourself with repentance, you can with wealth, with alms. Don't you have wealth? You can look after the sick, visit a prisoner, give a cup of cold water, take a stranger under your roof, donate two mites like a widow, and weep with those who weep; and this is alms. But you have nothing, are completely poor, weak in body and can’t even walk? Endure all this with gratitude and you will receive a great reward. Such was the virtue of Lazarus. He did not help anyone with money: how could he do this without having the necessary food himself? He did not go to prison: how could he do this, not being able to get up himself? He did not visit the sick: how could he do this, being himself licked by dogs? But even without this, he acquired the reward for virtue by courageously enduring everything - by the fact that, seeing the cruel and inhuman in honor and luxury, and himself in such disasters, he did not utter a single obscene word. That is why he inherited Abraham’s bosom, although he was no better than a dead man, lying inactively before the rich man’s gate; crowned together with the patriarch, who had done so many good deeds, glorified and placed in his bosom was the one who did not give alms, did not shake hands with the offended, did not receive strangers, could not do anything else like that, but only thanked God for everything, and received the bright crown of patience. Truly, gratitude, wisdom, patience amid such suffering are a great thing; this is the highest virtue. For this reason Job was crowned. That’s why the devil said: “skin for skin, but for his life a man will give all that he has” (Job 2:4). It is no small matter to curb a suffering soul so that it does not sin in anything. This is tantamount to martyrdom; this is the height of goodness. 3. So, if you, beloved, are exposed to illness, fever or wounds, and the pain forces you to say some kind of blasphemy, but you refrain, thank and glorify God, you will receive the same reward. And why murmur, tell me, and utter blasphemous words? Will that make the pain any easier for you? Even if it did become easier, even then one should not decide on this and lose the salvation of the soul, worrying about bringing relief to one’s body. Meanwhile, the pain from this not only does not ease, but becomes even more severe. In fact, the devil, seeing that he has gained some success by bringing you to the point of murmuring, intensifies the fire of the furnace and kindles the disease so that you fulfill his desire. Thus, even if, as I said, the pain was relieved, this should not be done; if you do not receive any benefit, then why are you ruining yourself? But you can't remain silent? Then thank God; glorify Him who tempts you in this cave. Instead of grumbling, say praise. Then your reward will be great, and the pain will become easier. So blessed Job said: “The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away”; and again: “Shall we really accept good from God, but not evil?” ( Job 1:21 ; Job 2:10 )? But, you say, God didn’t give me wealth? The easier the wound. After all, it is not the same thing to lose wealth after enjoying it, or to live in poverty without experiencing it. If many of the poor people, seeing the misfortunes of others and comparing with their own, consider their misfortunes to be comparatively grave, then, comparing themselves not with others, but with themselves, they feel grief, of course, the more severe, the more previous experience allows them to feel the loss. Likewise, the lack of children experienced from the very beginning is easier than the lack of children that follows many children. It is not the same thing to not receive something, or to lose something after receiving it. So, endure everything that happens courageously; this is a martyrdom for you. Indeed, not only does it constitute martyrdom when someone is ordered to make a sacrifice and does not make it, and even decides to undergo torture rather than carry it out; but even that makes a martyr when someone, despite the pain that forces him to grumble, decides to endure and not say anything indecent. So Job was crowned not because he received a command to make a sacrifice and did not bring it, but because he courageously endured sorrow. And Paul is glorified for enduring scourgings, afflictions, and everything else with gratitude. “You will eat from the labor of your hands: blessed are you and it will be good for you!” (Ps. 127:2). Why does the prophet repeat the beatitude twice? Because he knew the greatness of this bliss and enjoyed the presentation of it. And what, tell me, will be “good”? “Your wife is like a fruitful vine (climbing) along the walls of your house; Your sons are like olive shoots around your table” (Ps. 127:3). Another translator (unknown translator, see Orig. Ex.) says: “in the inner ones” (έν τοις έσωτάτοις). Third (unknown, see Orig. Ex.): “in the loins” (έν τοις μηροις). “This is how the man who fears the Lord will be blessed!” (Ps. 127:4). What, tell me, are you saying? Is this bliss? Is this a blessing - a well-being at home, enjoyment of one's labors, many children, a wife? No; this is just an addition. “Seek above all else the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you” (Luke 12:31). Since the prophet spoke to people who were still imperfect, he convinces them, like little children, with sensory objects. Don't be surprised by this. If Paul, during such wisdom, does the same with people who creep on the earth, convincing them in the same way, then all the more is this characteristic of a prophet. Where does Paul do this? In many places. Thus, when he talks about virginity, he does not tell them anything about the future, but represents only liberation from the sorrows that come from marriage (1 Cor. 7:28). Also, when he talks about honoring parents, he convinces in the same way: “the first commandment, he says, is with a promise.” What commandment? “Honor your father and mother... and you will live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:2, 3). And again, when he writes about wisdom in relation to enemies, he presents a sensual reward, expressing himself like this: “by doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head” (Rom. 12:20). But Christ is not like that, because He did not talk with the weak; but for virginity He assigns a kingdom, and for love of enemies - likeness to God, as much as it is possible for people to be like God. And even in the Old Testament, when they were guided by sensuality, we see that people capable of philosophy were convinced by higher objects. Pointing to this, Paul says: “all these died in faith, not receiving the promises, but only saw them from afar” (Heb. 11:13). Thus, the reward for those who fear God is not only this - the enjoyment of property, wife, children, well-being at home - it is only excess and addition; and the main and great blessings lie, firstly, in the very fear of God, which in itself constitutes a reward, then - in those ineffable blessings, “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and nothing has entered the heart of man” (1 Cor. 2:9). “The Lord will bless you from Zion, and you will see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life” (Ps. 127:5). Another (unknown translator, see Orig. Ex.): “and see Jerusalem in blessings” (ορα εν άγαθοις). “Benefits” he calls the city, wealth, splendor, victories, honors, prosperity, fertility, security, peace. 4. “All the days of your life.” Well the prophet added these words about days. Indeed, this is a special sign of God’s gift and proof of His providence, so as not to endure anything human, not to lose or experience vicissitudes, unless God Himself in anger takes away what is given. “And you will see your sons’ sons. Peace to Israel!” (Ps. 127:6). But many, you might say, who feared God, remained childless. What of this? We strive not for present benefits, but primarily to please God, and then in hopes of the future. Then (in the Old Testament) this was a reward; and now - heaven and heavenly blessings. If you, even with the fear of God, do not have children, then why do you know whether He has not given you other benefits greater than this well-being? He, “rich in mercy” (Eph. 2:4), does not benefit everyone in one way, but in different ways. How many who had children considered those who did not have blessed? How many who had wealth ended their lives more unhappily than the poor? How many who enjoyed glory were pierced by this sword and suffered the most severe disasters? Do not examine what is happening and do not demand an account from God, but endure everything courageously and with gratitude; especially don't get attached to anything real. That is why you are commanded to offer such a prayer in which you make only one request for a sensory object, and nothing more. Moreover, due to its moderation, it also becomes spiritual. In everything else, we are told about heaven, the kingdom there, perfect life, deliverance from sins; and about sensory objects we are commanded to utter only one word. Which? “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), and nothing more. Since we are called to another fatherland and are destined for a higher life, then our petitions must be in accordance with it; and these temporary benefits, if they come, must be rejected with great zeal. "Peace to Israel". Another translator says: “And the sons of your sons shall see peace upon Israel” (ιδε...είρήνην). Prayer relevant to society. This is especially desired by those who are exhausted by a long war. What good is anything else to them if there is no peace? That is why he promises them the most important of the blessings of that time - security, peace, and, moreover, permanent; This is primarily the work of God’s providence - to give and not allow deprivation. Human objects are by their very nature transient and impermanent; therefore, wanting to show that this is not given to them simply, but by the highest will and wave of God, the prophet said: “all the days,” promising permanent peace. So it was, as much as it depended on God. If it was broken, then again it was due to their wickedness. Just as when God threatens people with punishments, and they turn away His anger with repentance, He stops the punishments, so when benefits are promised, but those who were to take advantage of the promise turn out to be unworthy, He does not fulfill the promise. So, as much as depended on Him, He promised them peace “always”; but they violated the gift with their wickedness. I say this so that we do not despair when He threatens, but turn away His anger through repentance, and do not indulge in carelessness when He promises good things, but through zeal and diligence in life we ​​bring the promises to fulfillment. If we do not do this, then one promise cannot save us. So Judas was promised that he would sit on the throne with eleven disciples, but he did not sit; and the reason for this was not the One who Promised, but Judas himself, who turned out to be unworthy of the promise. So we, having the promise of the kingdom, will not be careless, but will begin to fulfill what is due on our part, in order to be worthy of eternal blessings, by the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. The psalms in the text are translated by P. Yungerov - Editorial office of the ABC of Faith You might be interested in: