Bellarmine on Psalm 126 : Verse 2

Verse 2

Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.

Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem, frustra vigilat qui custodit eam.

When the city of Jerusalem was being built after the captivity, it was guarded at the same time it was built, as witnessed in the Scriptures, see book II of Esdras. For the gentiles who were round about tried not only to obstruct the building but also to demolish what had been constructed : and so the children of Israel held a sword in one hand whilst with the other they did the building work; and many of them deployed on protection duty had to keep continual watch. Nevertheless, they would have gained by so many nothing watches unless the Lord had wanted to guard the city. This also applies to the leaders of the Church, who are obliged to build up the Church and at the same time to guard it : for we dwell in the midst of enemies who hate nothing more than the extension of the Church. Although it is given to the bishops to occupy a higher position in the Church, as though in a watch-tower where they can be on the lookout for all things and guard their people, yet they cannot penetrate into men’s hearts and cannot be everywhere with everyone; therefore “Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.” The same thing is wont to befall us, when through our good works we are building a house for ourselves, enemies are never absent who by various temptations strive to destroy the incomplete building; hence the Apostle arms us, writing in chapter vi of Ephesians where he says: “Take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day;”[1] and further on, “In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.”[2] But unless the Lord is present with us and unless he guards us when we frequently slumber and fights on our behalf, all our work will be in vain.

[1] Therefore take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. Propterea accipite armaturam Dei, ut possitis resistere in die malo, et in omnibus perfeci stare. [Ephes. vi 13]

[2] In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. in omnibus sumentes scutum fidei, in quo possitis omnia tela nequissimi ignea extinguere : [Ephes. vi 13]

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.