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

VERSE 45:
And I walked in spaciousness,
for after Thy commandments have I sought.

V.45-48 = the fruits of hope
Faithfulness to commandments –> commandments destroy passions–> spaciousness of walking.
Mind not restricted to what is earthen and carnal (Ambrose). God walks in us then.
Sin narrows the spaciousness of the soul.
Augustine: to walk in spaciousness = to walk in love
Spaciousness of hope often described by Isaac the Syrian.
Hope enlarges the senses –> no fear of danger (Isaac’s sermon 49).

He to Whom I have once entrusted my soul is enough for me in everything.
p.129

Self-reliance is accompanied by fear; faith by hope.
Hope-filled faith –> freedom and independence.
Hope in God is preceded by labor for God (doing His commandments)

Let your faith be accompanied with fitting deeds.
Isaac’s sermon 67. Here p.130

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