THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The earth mourned, and creation itself was led into decay, with the lofty places laden with sorrow. This is because the earth has committed transgressions against its inhabitants. Those who grieve bear the marks of their sorrow, their eyes and hands heavy with lamentation, and their foreheads pale, as the anguish over the dead scorches the human heart like fire. Imagine a city or a nation overrun by invaders; a somber, desolate atmosphere prevails as its people are slain, homes consumed by flames, and they endure the tragedies of warfare. In this context, we grasp the meaning of the phrase “the earth mourned”; when faced with such trials, it is inevitable that its esteemed inhabitants—the noble ones—also suffer.
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Deprived of honor, wealth, and all the facets of life that typically accompany those of high standing, they feel profound sorrow. It is said that the earth has sinned for the sake of its dwellers. A city, or often an entire nation, may be deemed unrighteous, even though the inanimate earth itself cannot commit sin; such a verdict arises from the corruption of its people. This notion can also be understood more broadly. For if, as expressed by one of the holy apostles, the earth and its works will be consumed in fire when the world comes to an end (2 Pet. 3:10), then the state of the earth will reflect sorrow, much like the countenance of mourners; and it will be set ablaze as lawless, having served those who are unrighteous. However, there will be new heavens and a new earth, as promised and as declared in scripture (2 Pet. 3:13); and Paul affirms that creation itself will be liberated from decay into the glorious freedom of the children of God (Rom. 8:21).