THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
The prophets proclaimed that if they remained steadfast in their efforts to construct the temple, they would soon, with divine assistance, not only finish the task but also receive abundant blessings as a reward for their dedication. Among their proclamations are the words from 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 signifies that when the temple is completed by Zerubbabel, who initiated the work, it will serve as evidence of my divine commission and the truth of my message.
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Additionally, Haggai expresses, “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 affirm the reliability of this prophecy. All the prophets and, in fact, all the authors of Sacred Scripture assure prosperity for those who labor in building the holy Church, meaning the teachers, provided they maintain their resolve and do not abandon their sacred endeavors. With God’s support, the house of the Lord, which begins in the hearts of the listeners, will be brought to completion through their faith and righteous living. Furthermore, the builders themselves will receive blessings symbolized by the wheat, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate tree, and the olive tree, representing the abundance of spiritual gifts. Indeed, the more diligently we construct the tabernacle of His glory, whether within ourselves or in the hearts of those around us, the more generously the Lord will bestow His blessings upon us.