Salmos 84
Jerome · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Salmos 84:3-4
"Even the sparrow finds a home, and the turtledove a nest in which she puts her young." For the present, let us be satisfied with a simple interpretation. Notice all that the verse implies: I long, O Lord, for your eternal dwelling places; my soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord; I long for some place to dwell, a nest for my soul and my body. The birds that fly about to and fro with no restraint, nevertheless, after their flight, have a place and a nest in which to rest. How much more ought not my body and soul procure for itself a resting place? — HOMILIES ON THE PSALMS 16
Salmos 84:6-7
"For the lawgiver will give a blessing." Somebody may ask, "Why in the valley of tears, in the place that God has set for the contest—or for the conflict—why has he placed us as athletes? Why has he willed us to fight?" The psalmist gives the answer: He has willed that this place be set for us as an arena that he may reward our victory with a crown. "For the lawgiver will give a blessing." This Lawgiver, our president of the contest, has willed us to contend only that he may bless us. Just consider what the victory means! What are the blessings of this Master of the games? "They go from strength to strength";6 they win the victory here that they may receive the crown there. If a person of courage gives evidence of strength here, there he becomes stronger. "They go from strength to strength"; hence, unless we are strong here, we cannot have greater strength there. The psalmist did not say, they shall go from weakness to strength, but from strength to strength. Do you want to be a person of fortitude there? Then be one here first. Do you want to be crowned there? Fight here. — HOMILIES ON THE PSALMS 16