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

VERSE 124:
Deal with Thy servant according to Thy mercy,
and teach me Thy statutes.

He is conscious that, even though he has done what he was supposed to do, this may not be a reason for a reward. Hence his humble request for God’s mercy.

Recognizing ourselves as sinners,
we ought the more to have recourse to mercy,
rather than to demand by right.
page 270

Deal with Thy servant according to Thy mercy
“Could also be understood as a prayer for the help of grace: with all my longing to be faithful to Thee, I do not expect to be such”.

“God’s mercy helps those who long for,
strengthens those who begin,
admits those who draw near.”
Saint Hilary, quoted here page 270

and teach me Thy statutes:
“This seems to be the answer to the question: which mercy to you expect?
He says: I want none other but that Though mightest teach me Thy statutes.
I am eager to please Thee in everything, but I do not know well what pleases Thee.
And if I knew, I might not be able to do it in such a way as to please Thee.
Teach me both — to know and to act”.
page 271

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