THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
After partaking of this divine nourishment, we will explore what the existence of one who has received this sacred sustenance should resemble. This is precisely represented by the unleavened bread and the observance of the days of unleavened bread. The Jewish people place great importance on unleavened bread and believe that the week of consuming it offers them something unique; they abstain from leavened bread, yet they are unable to articulate any true benefit derived from this practice as they adhere to the symbol rather than the reality. However, you should comprehend unleavened bread through the teachings of the Apostle, which reveal that the soul ought to be clean and untainted by any sin, fostering a renewed lifestyle devoid of past transgressions.
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These concepts are to be grasped in their true essence: “There shall be no leaven in your houses: for whosoever shall eat leaven, that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel.” A regression to former sinful ways spells disaster for one who has been transformed into a new existence. It is declared, “If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die” (Rom. 8:13).
What then is the symbolic meaning behind the seven days of unleavened bread? The instruction is to eat unleavened bread for seven days. In a deeper sense, these seven days encompass all of time; following the seventh day, which represents rest, a new cycle begins, as time flows onward, returning through the seven days into itself. Throughout all of time, one should embody simplicity and purity, which is undoubtedly beneficial. It is stated, “If ye mortify the deeds of the body through the Spirit, ye shall live” (Rom. 8:13). The essence of one who does not pursue earthly desires is marked by simplicity, integrity, and honesty—separate from all forms of evil and malice.