Ezra 3:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Or better yet, let them learn from you, O dear one, that the priest Jesus, son of Josedech, alongside his brethren, and the wise Zerubbabel, son of Salathiel, as well as Ezra, the priest and scribe of the law, when the sanctuary was rebuilt following the exile, and as the ‘sweating of the shadow’ (John 7:2) came—symbolizing the great feast and solemn occasion of prayer in Israel—they unified the people in the first narthex facing east, erected an altar to God, presented offerings, celebrated a feast, and continued to bring sacrifices on the sabbaths and new moons while the people lifted their prayers (1 Ezra 3:2-6).

The Scripture clearly states that all these acts were conducted before the temple of God was completed; rather, in their moments of prayer, the temple's construction was advancing. The prayers did not cease as they awaited the day of consecration, nor did earlier prayer gatherings impede the sacred rite; the faithful prayed earnestly, and upon the building's completion, the consecration was held, sacrifices for the renewal of the temple were made, and all rejoiced in the achievement of the work. Blessed Alexander of cherished memory, I and the other Fathers followed this same path; before gathering the people for prayer and completing the work, they expressed gratitude to the Lord through the consecration. It is fitting for you, O beloved Sovereign, to do likewise. The temple, consecrated through the prayers offered within, is prepared and awaits the fruit of your reverence, for this is what it needs for its perfect beautification. I encourage you to do this and offer your petitions to the Lord, to whom you have established a house, as this is the heartfelt wish of all.