23. Concerning predictions pertaining to the calling of the nations under the Law.

D. Because we have examined the predictions spoken about Christ in the old Law, give those which have been set down about the calling of the nations. M. About the calling of the nations we hear that predictions have been set down in about seventeen ways. For (1) sometimes they indicate the calling of these when it is said, "I will provoke them for a non-people; I will anger them for a foolish nation" (Dt 32:21). Sometimes (2), their infirmities, the forgiveness of their sins, and the teaching of better conditions, when it is said, "He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, and vision to the blind" (Is 61:1); sometimes (3), a favor which they received, either of adoption or of wonderful deeds, when it is said, "There are daughters of kings in your honor; the queen has stood at your right hand" (Ps 44[45]:10). Sometimes (4), a warning, such as that which follows, "Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear, and forget your people" (Ps 44[45]:11). [1b] Sometimes (5), glorification, which we owe to Christ, when it is said, "for He is the Lord your God, and you shall worship him" (Ps 44[45]:12). Sometimes (6), happiness and virtue, which the faithful merit, when it is said, "Her maidens will be brought to the king after her" (Ps 44[45]:15). Sometimes (7), the gladness in which they are, seeing their own progress, when it is said, "They will be brought in with joy and exultation" (Ps 44[45]:16). Sometimes (8), priesthood and ecclesiastical service, when it is said, "in place of your fathers sons have been born to you" (Ps 44[45]:17). Sometimes (9), the spiritual edification of the Church, when it is said, "From ivory halls, from which they delighted you" (Ps 44[45]:9). Sometimes (10), ecclesiastical authority, when it is said, "You will make them princes over all the earth" (Ps 44[45]:17). Sometimes (11), abundance of believers, when it is said, "All the earth shall be filled with his glory! May it be! May it be!" (Ps 71[72]:19). [1c] Sometimes (12), the enduring of either trial or persecution, when it is said, "until he lead forth justice in victory, and the nations will hope in his name" (Is 42:4). Sometimes (13), destruction of enemies, when it is said, "And his foes will lick the dust" (Ps 71[72]:9). Sometimes (14), peace in which the Church rejoices after persecutions, when it is said, "In his days justice will arise, and abundance of peace, till the moon be taken away" (Ps 71[72]:7). Sometimes (15), the errors of heretics, and the presence of Elijah, when it is said, "See, I am sending you Elijah the Tishbite, and he will call back the hearts of the fathers to their children" (Mal 4:5,6[3:23,24]). Sometimes (16), the hope of the faithful and the second coming of the Savior, when it is said, "And he will be the expectation of the nations" (Gn 49:10). Sometimes (17), John's baptizing, when it is said, "See, I am sending my messenger before your face" (Mal 3:1).