THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
In a spiritual context, the construction of the Church, which involves calling new nations to the faith and restoring those who have strayed, requires the establishment of correct doctrine to prevent the old adversary, who prowls like a roaring lion (1 Pet. 5:8), from invading the flock of believers. Therefore, it is essential to appoint gatekeepers, singers, and Levites to safeguard this entrance; each of these roles corresponds to the holy teachers. The gatekeepers possess the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19), allowing the humble and worthy to enter while denying access to the proud and wicked, declaring to them, ‘You have no part and lot in this, for your heart is not right before God’ (Acts 8:21).
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The singers are those who, with a divine melody, share the joys of our heavenly homeland with their audience, while the Levites stand vigilant in overseeing the worship of God. Thus, Nehemiah instructed that the gates of Jerusalem remain closed until the sun rises, symbolizing protection throughout the night. This darkness represents the perilous state in which an enemy might invade, or where residents might wander out and fall into danger. Similarly, during the darkness of this age, soul guardians must act judiciously to prevent the devil from leading the faithful astray and causing discord among them. When the Sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2) rises, illuminating the promise of future joy, the faithful will no longer need to guard against assailants, for they will be condemned alongside their leader to everlasting punishment. In the vision of the future glory of the holy city, John proclaims: Its gates shall not be shut by day; and there shall be no night therein (Rev. 21:25).
The guardians of souls should not be selected from the newly converted or the general public, but from individuals who have been liberated by God’s grace from the struggles of vice and who possess a mindset aligned with the peace of the heavenly city. Such individuals can affirm, with the apostle, Our dwelling is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). It is appropriately observed that these individuals serve in specific watches, ensuring that upon their departure from this life, others are ready to be appointed to shepherd the faithful. To avoid any lapse in those who strive to maintain the peace of the holy Church due to the challenges of darkness (Song 3:8), the truth of the prophetic assurances declaring, Instead of thy fathers, there shall be thy sons (Psalms 44:17), will endure until the end of time. It is additionally noted that each individual should be positioned opposite his own dwelling. The guardianship of the holy Church is most effective when each person exhibits care for all believers while prioritizing those entrusted to them by God’s design.