Блаженство

Blessed is the man who did not go to the meeting of the wicked (Ps. 1:1). House builders, when erecting huge buildings in height, also set the foundations in proportion to the height. And shipbuilders, preparing the ship for lifting large loads, strengthen the underwater part, taking into account the weight of the loaded goods. And at the birth of animals, the heart, which is naturally formed first of all, receives from nature a structure suitable for the future animal, which is why bodily tissue is formed around the heart in proportion to its own principles; and hence the differences in the size of animals. But what the foundation in a house, the underwater part in a ship, and the heart in the body of an animal mean, it seems to me that this short preface has the same force in relation to the whole composition of the psalms. Since the psalmist, with the continuation of his words, intends to exhort many things that are difficult and filled with countless deeds and efforts, he first points out to the ascetics of piety a blessed end, so that we, in the hope of the blessings prepared for us, can blithely endure the sorrows of this life. Likewise, for travelers walking along a rough and impassable path, their work is made easier by the comfortable shelter they expect; and the desire to acquire goods makes merchants bravely set out to sea; and for farmers the hope of fertility makes their labors unnoticeable. Therefore, the general Mentor in life, the great Teacher, the Spirit of truth, wisely and skilfully offered rewards in advance, so that we, stretching our gaze beyond the works that are at hand, would hasten with the thought of enjoying eternal blessings. Blessed is the man who did not go to the meeting of the wicked. - So, there is a true good, which in its own and original sense should be called blessed; and this is God. Why does Paul, intending to mention Christ, say: according to the glorious gospel of our blessed God and Savior Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 1:11; Titus 2:13). For truly blessed is this source of good, to which everything is turned, to which everything desires, this unchangeable Nature, this sovereign Dignity, this serene Life, this carefree State in which there is no change, which is not touched by vicissitudes, this ever-flowing Source, this inexhaustible Grace, this inexhaustible Treasure. But ignorant people and lovers of peace, not knowing the nature of good itself, often call blessed that which has no value: wealth, health, a brilliant life - that everything by its nature is not good, because it not only conveniently changes into the opposite, but also cannot make its owners good. For whom has wealth made just, or health chaste? On the contrary, each of these gifts often contributes to sin to those who abuse them. Therefore, blessed is he who has acquired something worthy of a greater price, who has become a partaker of inalienable blessings. But why do we recognize him? This is the one who did not go to the meeting of the wicked (2). Almost every work leading to bliss was initiated by the Lord Himself, offering Himself as an example to the disciples. Return to the beatitudes and, having examined each one, you will find that He preceded the teaching with words and deeds. Blessed are the meek (Matthew 5:5). Where can we learn meekness? Learn from Me, says the Lord, for I am meek and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Who will teach us the blessings of the world? The Peacemaker Himself, creating peace and reconciling two in order to create in Himself one new man (Eph. 2:15), pacifying... By the Blood of His cross, both earthly and heavenly (Col. 1:20). Blessed are the poor (Matthew 5:3). He Himself became poor and humbled Himself, taking on the form of a servant, so that from His fullness we would all receive grace upon grace (Phil. 2:7; John 1:16). So, if someone, led by the Holy and man-loving Spirit, not dreaming about himself, but humiliating himself in order to exalt others, cries out in the Spirit, asking for something great, and does not utter anything unworthy and low, expressing a search for earthly and worldly things, then the cry of such a person will be heard by the Lord. And what is the end of hearing? The one who will get rid of all sorrows not wounded, not exhausted, not enslaved to the wisdom of the flesh (2). You might be interested in: