THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
When the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites through heavy toil, compelling them to shape bricks from clay, the children of Israel cried out for the Lord's compassion. He responded to Moses, stating, “I have heard the cries of the children of Israel, for the Egyptians have enslaved them, and I have remembered My covenant. Go and tell the children of Israel that I am the Lord; I will free you from the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their oppression, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God; you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from the yoke of Egypt, and I will lead you into the land I promised (Ex. 6:5-8).
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This demonstrates how the Jewish people exchanged toil for bountiful harvests, and those who labored with humble clay earned the promise of everlasting life. In the Gospel, the Lord extended mercy to the futile efforts of the Gentiles, who constructed barriers of clay superstition; engrossed in carnal pleasures, they lacked the strength to build a solid foundation of faith. It was as if some of them caught the echo of the Son of the Almighty, inviting, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).