There must be two considerations: either if they are the elect, this cannot occur; or if it can occur, then they are not truly the elect. Yet it is phrased, “Howbeit, if it be possible, and the elect.” This uncertainty in the Lord's statement symbolizes the temptation faced by the hearts of the elect; for those chosen to persevere will encounter trials from the signs shown by the messengers of the Antichrist. Thus, saying, “If it be possible,” merely indicates that the elect will experience trials in their hearts. They may waver, but they will not yield. Therefore, it is declared, “If it be possible,” because they may fear, yet they remain called the elect because they will not fall. Consequently, the uncertainty in the Lord's discourse regarding the elect reflects the trembling of their souls. He designates them as elect because He foresees their unwavering commitment to faith and righteousness. This is also the essence of the phrase: “For if they will hear or fear,” for by indicating “if they will fear,” it reveals that of the vast multitude, few will pay attention. Thus, by questioning God’s message, what else is implied but the scarcity of listeners? It is noteworthy that after addressing the wickedness of their deceased forefathers, He who sent the Prophet to the children states, “If they will hear or fear.” What does it imply to propose, “as for them,” if not to signify that their forefathers, who died guilty, would not listen? Please reflect on what strength should be present in this perceived weakness of the Lord's words: “But if only they will hear.” This is directed specifically toward us who are beleaguered, besieged, confined, and stripped of the blessings we once had in this world. We witness cities in ruin, fortifications destroyed, fields ravaged, and churches compromised; and yet we persist in following the failings of our ancestors, refusing to alter the honor we have witnessed. They sinned, at least amid their joys; however, we, in a more grievous state, sin while under punishment. Behold the Almighty God, who judges wrongdoing, has already brought destruction upon our ancestors, having called them to account. And He patiently waits for our repentance, supporting us in our journey toward conversion. He who has already executed judgment upon them extends His great mercy toward us so that we may not perish alongside our forebears, proclaiming, “But if they shall hear or fear: for the house is a grievous one.” Each soul that, upon receiving faith, either remains in vice or returns to it is regarded as a house of affliction; for through sinful behavior, it expels the indwelling God that it received through faith. The house is indeed inhabited by its master. Therefore, if it is a house, why is it distressing? And if it is a distressing house, why does it seem uninhabited? It is a house because God chose to dwell in it through faith, yet it is a distressing house because He has departed from it due to its sinful ways, leaving it desolate where there once resided the heavenly Inhabitant. Furthermore, as we learn from the words of Truth, the unclean spirit returns with seven others and finds this house swept clean (Matthew 12:45), as it fills a soul alien to virtue. - Then follows: and they shall know that thou art a prophet in their midst. The wicked often recognize goodness, whether when they receive aid in achieving salvation or when they witness their own condemnation. Therefore, let them be aware that a Prophet is in their midst, so that from the sermon they hear, they may either be led to rebellion or face condemnation without excuse.
THEOSIS