Psalm 118:
A Commentary
by Saint Theophan the Recluse
(1815-1894)
by Saint John of Kronstadt Press, 2014
Goodreads

VERSE 20:
My soul hath longed,
to desire Thy judgments at all times.

= my soul has strongly desired to be always a willing performer of Thy holy will.
page 54

The previous verses were about the situation:

• when the senses are stuck: hence insensibility
• when the mind is stuck: hence blindness and forgetfulness
• when the will is stuck: hence sloth and immobility. The soul refuses to act according to the demands of the spirit.

So watch out, as all this happens to people on the path of goodness!

VERSE 21:
Thou has rebuked the proud;
cursed are they that decline from Thy commandments.

Rebuked: because pride is an obstacle to progress in the spiritual life. And there’s the danger of falling under the curse of those who don’t follow the commandments.

The most dangerous enemy is self-importance, pride, judgment and contempt for others. Then enemies have free access to us.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THESE NOTES
Any reflection on these quotes?