THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Thus, anyone who seeks to emulate the admirable virtues of the saints will undoubtedly receive equal blessings. Such an individual will conquer his foes and prevail over the malice of his enemies with ease. Should ignoble passions assail his spirit like consuming flames, he will triumph over them, bolstered by Divine strength. Just as the angelic being who came down into the fiery furnace to aid Ananias and his companions calmed the flames and caused them to yield to human beings, so too will Christ, through the Holy Spirit, enter our minds and hearts, subduing the fierce fires of sinful desires, ensuring that we emerge victorious over the cunning of evil spirits, granting us access to heavenly citizenship and expanding our journey towards all that is virtuous.
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The entirety of Sacred Scripture bears witness to the assistance we can obtain from God as a reward for fasting and the fruits of righteous acts. The book of Ezra notably records: “And I promise that fast to the young men before the Lord our God, that we may call upon him for a good way for us, and for our children and cattle that are with us. We have asked the tsar to ask for men on foot and on horseback and guides for the sake of protecting us from the enemy. We will say to the tsar, ‘The power of our Lord will be with those who seek Him for all guidance.’ And again we prayed to the Lord our God about these things, and we received mercy” (2 Ezra 8:49-53). Here, Ezra indicates that through fasting, the Jewish people sought a safe path and solid support from Him who is able to save. Through fasting, they implored God's grace, who smooths out challenges and generously bestows favor upon those who seek Him. Therefore, if we engage in fasting, He will also deliver and liberate us from all evil, guiding us on the path to every virtue; He will soften what appears difficult and transform the arduous into a walkable and accessible road.