Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

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Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Psalm 129 with Cassiodorus – The Vindication of God They have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me (v. 2). The Church says that she has been fiercely attacked from her youth, so that you may realise that she is never destroyed, in spite of constant attack. She grows under the persecution of the wicked, and expands through her grief. Even though she seems to lose holy ones in this life [through martyrdom], she gains them for the inheritance to come. She cannot be brought to an end, since she is clearly increased by the losses which she endures. This is what the following words make clear: but they have not gained the victory over me. Those who had attacked her could not prevail over her; for the attack that develops into further conflict is not yet ended. Victory must not be pronounced when it is certain that the conflict can be renewed. May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow (v. 6). Abandoned buildings often sprout momentarily with grass on their tops. Before it can be gathered it withers and dies because it has insufficient roots to give it strength. Hostile sinners are linked with such grass in a most fitting association, for they also often die off here before they are taken from this world’s light, for they sprout on the heights of pride where they are not firmly based, whereas if they sprouted in the valley of tears, they would bring their harvest to fullness with the Lord’s help.