THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
The prophets proclaimed that if they remained steadfast in their efforts to construct the temple, they would soon, with the Lord's assistance, not only accomplish all tasks but would also have their faithfulness rewarded with an abundance of blessings. Among these prophecies is the declaration of Zechariah: "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you" (Zech. 4:9). This indicates that when the temple is completed by Zerubbabel, who initiated the work, the people will recognize that I was sent by the Lord and conveyed His commands.
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Haggai further states, "But turn your heart to the time from this day and backward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day when the temple of the Lord was founded; turn your heart: is there yet seed in the barns? Hitherto neither the vine, nor the fig tree, nor the pomegranate tree, nor the olive tree, has borne fruit: but from this day I will bless them" (Haggai 2:18-19). The unfolding events confirm the validity of these predictions. All the prophets and writers of Holy Scripture assure prosperity to those who toil in building the holy Church, particularly the teachers, provided they are not deterred by hardships or forsake their sacred duties. The Lord's aid will ensure that the house of God, which begins in the hearts of the faithful, is perfected through their belief and righteous living. Furthermore, the architects will experience the blessings of abundant harvests—wheat, vine, fig tree, pomegranate, and olive—which symbolize the richness of the Spirit's gifts. Indeed, as we diligently construct the dwelling place of His glory, whether within ourselves or in the hearts of our neighbors, the Lord will grant us these blessings in greater measure.