The Temple of Jerusalem
The Temple of Jerusalem
latter have every reason to expect deliverance by means of these same hands. The former gladly see their ruthless despoilers depart, while the latter gladly welcome staunch defenders. In the process, the one gets very welcome reinforcements, while the other gets some equally beneficial relief.
This is the revenge Christ contrives against his enemies,15 to triumph powerfully and gloriously over them by their own means.
Surely it is both happy and fitting that those who have so long fought against him should at last begin to fight for him. He recruits his soldiers among his foes, just as once he turned Saul the persecutor into Paul the preacher.16 For this reason, I would not be surprised if, as our Saviour himself has affirmed, the court of heaven is taking more joy in one sinner who repents than in the many just persons who have no need of repentance.17
Certainly the conversion of so many sinners and evil doers will now do as much good as their former conduct did harm.
11. Hail then, holy city,18 which the Most High has sanctified to himself as his own tabernacle,19 by which in you and through you this generation might be saved! Hail, city of the great King,20 source of new and joyous and unheard of marvels! Hail mistress of nations and prince of provinces,21 province of patriarchs,22 mother of apostles and prophets, cradle of the faith and glory of the christian people! From earliest times God has permitted you to be continually besieged, so that to persons brave and virtuous you might provide the opportunity for salvation.
Hail promised land, flowing once upon a time with milk and
Nahum 1:2.
16 Acts 9:1-22.
Lk 15:7.
Is 52:1.
Ps 45:5.
Ps 47:3.
Lam 1:1.
Gen 17:8.
In Praise of the New Knighthood honey for your ancient inhabitants,23 and now with healing grace and vital sustenance for the whole earth! A good land, I say, the best, which, receiving into your ever fruitful womb the heavenly grain from the heart of the eternal Father24 has from that supernal seed brought forth a rich harvest of martyrs. And from among the rest of the faithful throughout the world, your fertile soil has produced no less fruit—some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundredfold.25 Happily filled and lavishly fattened on the great abundance of your sweetness, those who have seen you are replete with your munificent bounty.26 Everywhere they go, even to the ends of the earth,27 they burble over with the memory of your abundant goodness28 and they speak of the splendors of your glory29 to those who have never seen you, telling of the marvels which are being accomplished in you30. Glorious things are spoken of you, city of God!31 Now then we will note down some few of the delights in which you abound, for the praise and glory of your name.
Ex 3:8.
Lk 8:15.
Mt 13:23.
Ps 30:20. Literally, belch the memory of your munificent bounty.
Is 49:6. See also, Acts 1:8, 13:47.
Ps 144:7.
Ps 144:5.
Sir 36:10.
Ps 86:3.