THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
It is indeed a fact that when the wicked descend into profound depravity, they become, as scripture indicates, contemptible. This reality is illustrated through the plight of the Israelites. Faced with the looming threat of calamities and the brutality of the Assyrians, they should have, out of remorse for their negligence, sought to appease God by shaving their heads and adorning themselves in sackcloth, as their dire situation warranted. Instead, they did the opposite. Transfixed in apathy, they indulged in pleasures, arranged amusements, sacrificed calves and sheep, and gave themselves over to insatiable desires.
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In the face of despair, hardness of heart, and debauchery, they urged one another, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." They seemingly held the belief that God would not listen. Yet, He declares that these actions are clearly known to Him, and this sin will not be overlooked until they meet their end, serving as a testament to their wickedness. Therefore, during times of distress or when we face the trials of temptation, we should not succumb to indifference but rather weep and fervently seek the compassionate God. In our fasting, we should implore His mercy, echoing the plea of the Psalmist: "Look upon my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins" (Psalm 25:18). When the prophet states that the Lord of hosts invited wailing and mourning on that day, as well as humility and penitence, it complements the message of Micah: “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and mourning; rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and He relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him—a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?” (Joel 2:12-14). Thus, as God beckons us to weep and mourn, clad in humility, the Israelites chose to indulge in festivities, inciting His anger further. After all, He wields the power to save and to bring destruction.