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

VERSE 29:
Remove from me the way of unrighteousness,
and with Thy law have mercy on me.

This is the second attack: recurrence of sinfulness, whether on one’s own/through outward stimulation/action of the jealous enemy.

The way of unrighteousness = passionate movements that lead to iniquity and sin.
He is asking to remove the stimuli of the passions.

Thy law = “the law of Thy love for mankind” (p.78)
Cf. Zigabenos = mercy, God’s healing.
Augustine: law of faith “in that we pray that we may be granted through grace to accomplish that which we cannot on our own” (p.79)

VERSE 30:
I have chosen the way of truth,
and Thy judgments have I not forgotten.

Now willing walking in the commandments, which will lead to an enlightened state (v.30-32)
– Relationship between freedom and the commandments
– Influence of God’s grace experienced

The way of truth = “life confirming to the Gospel” (p.80)
–> sincere change (cf Ambrose)

If we want to walk in the way of truth, let us become strangers to this world and begin to live through faith. 
p.80

Recopying this, I’m so painfully aware of how this sentence sounds probably like total nonsense to most of our contemporaries, who don’t even believe in the concept of Truth, let alone in Truth as a person (John 14:6).

Follow the footsteps of the Lord Christ, and you will be walking in the way of truth. But make it to be in actual deed, and not in name only.
p.80

And with your whole will, not wavering.

Thy judgments  = the whole economy of salvation
I have chosen –> I have not forgotten. Firmness, no hesitation

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