THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
It is important to note that among the young men, one group was engaged in labor while another was prepared for battle, and the laborers were equipped with swords. The ancient foe’s cunning and the intensity of his malice in opposing the Church are such that not only must the proclaimers of truth remain vigilant, but also the faithful must stay ever alert to his schemes, as if they were ready for combat. Thus, those who build are metaphorically girded with swords, signifying that those who persist in righteous deeds and appropriately guide those entrusted to them—by placing living stones into the edifices of the holy city—must strive to protect themselves from the frailties associated with a life lacking responsibility, employing the power of God’s Word.
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It should be noted that during the construction of this very city by David and Solomon, there were no armed builders nor threats from foes. Yet, a city that has fallen into ruin due to immorality is rebuilt through great toil, primarily because the spiritual edifice tied to the salvation of souls is such that, upon our rebirth through baptism, faith, and the confession of the Most Holy Trinity, we become, by divine grace, His city and His dwelling without any effort from us. However, if we apostatize after our cleansing in the sacred waters and succumb to sin through the devil’s temptations, the victorious adversary can undermine the fortifications of our virtues with the fires of vice. Consequently, it becomes vital for us to reconstruct the structures of good works that we have forfeited, calling for enhanced diligence in prayer, self-denial, watchfulness, charity, and a life of discipline. For it is more challenging to escape the temptations of familiar vices than those that are unknown, and it is simpler to shun unforeseen carnal pleasures than to relinquish what has become ingrained in us.