THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
After partaking of this sacred nourishment, we must consider the nature of life for one who has embraced this holy sustenance. This is precisely what the unleavened bread and the observance of the days of unleavened bread signify. The Jewish people focus on unleavened bread, believing that the seven days of this observance provide them with spiritual significance. Yet, they avoid leavened bread without understanding the true value of this practice, as they engage with the symbol rather than the reality. However, you are to comprehend unleavened bread in accordance with the Apostle's teaching, as we have illustrated, emphasizing the importance of the soul remaining pure and untouched by sin, thus enabling a new way of living free from past vices.
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These words indicate a clear meaning: there should be no trace of leaven, for "there shall be no leaven in your houses: for whosoever shall eat leaven, that soul shall be destroyed out of the company of the children of Israel." A relapse into old iniquity spells destruction for one who has been transformed into a new existence. As stated, “If ye live according to the flesh, ye shall die” (Rom. 8:13). What deeper meaning do the seven days of unleavened bread convey? It states to eat unleavened bread for seven days. These seven days symbolically represent the entirety of time, for after the seventh day of rest, the cycle starts anew, thereby illustrating the progression of time that moves forward yet circles back to the beginning. During all time, you are called to live in simplicity and purity, which is indeed life-giving. As it is written, “If ye mortify the deeds of the flesh by the spirit, ye shall live” (Rom. 8:13). The individual who does not pursue earthly desires embodies simplicity and integrity, free from malice and deception, wholly alien to all that is evil and repugnant.