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

VERSE 43:
And take not utterly out of my mouth the word of truth,
for in Thy judgments have I hoped.

We pray that if God’s temporary abandonment may be for instruction, it may not be forever (cf.martyrs).
The word of truth is taken away by sin also.

As long as there is no manifest sin, truth is proclaimed boldly.
p.122
cf. 3rd hour prayer: “Seeing that we have no boldness on account of our many sins”.

God’s mercy is always ready.
p.123

Hope in God’s judgments = hope in God’s providential care for us.
God establishes external elements for us to make, in balance with our inner relation to Him.

VERSE 44:
So shall I keep Thy law continually, for ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Conditions for the formation of hope:
– faith in the immutability of the Word of God or God’s promises
– meditation upon God’s judgments manifested on nations and individuals
– decision to walk in God’s will and keep His Law

Do we really hope in Him?
We pray, hoping He will give us something, but we are not ready to give Him anything, not keeping a correct relation to Him.
We are not without sin and sin suppresses hope, but there is no prayer without hope. The important thing is the resolution always to be faithful to the Law.
Fall and get up, fall and get up.
Continually  = διά παντός = in everything
He is eager to saturate all his life with the Law (cf. St Ambrose).
Love is the fulfilling of the Law, so it does apply also to the ages to come.

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