THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
O Lord, in our grief we remember You; yet, in our sorrow, Your chastisement seems light. Just as a woman in labor cries out in her pain, so do we lament for Your beloved. Motivated by profound love for God, the cherished prophet rebuked the Jews for their brazen acts, declaring, 'Enclose evil to all the glorious ones of the earth.' Yet, to ensure he would not be seen as unkind or merciless, he urged those who had not sinned to seek forgiveness rather than persist in sorrow and hardship. He emphasized that it is common for all to turn their thoughts to the Almighty God in times of trouble. For an abundance of peace can lead to complacency, and it may be said that when people become excessively relaxed, they grow unaware of their transgressions.
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In contrast, sorrow compels them to seek God and confront their sins. Thus, he stated, 'Put evil to the plums of the earth,’ indicating that it is a natural tendency for mankind to remember You and align themselves with Your will, particularly during crises. In times of suffering, our discipline is gentle, as God does not chastise us harshly, but instead softens our hearts with mercy. Therefore, the plea for divine retribution against the transgressors arises not from hatred, but from love, urging them toward understanding. If they neglect the pursuit of godliness of their own accord, may they at least be led there by necessity through the experience of God's displeasure. It is recorded through David's words, 'Thou shalt bruise their jaws with rods and bridles, and shake them that draw not nigh unto Thee.' The Jews, having committed egregious transgressions against Christ, ultimately fell into despair. Yet we belong to You, speaking wisely and favorably of Your beloved, Your Son. In truth, like a woman in the throes of childbirth, we cry out against those who dishonor Him, vigorously opposing those who defy Him in our anguish. Indeed, this reflects the declarations of the prophets. The blessed Isaiah, addressing the impudent statements of the Jews toward Christ, admonishes, 'But come ye this day, ye lawless sons, ye seed of adulterers and harlots: in what do ye delight, and on whom do ye open your mouth, and on whom do ye pour out your tongue, are ye not the children of destruction, ye lawless seed?' And the blessed David implores about them, 'let their eyes be darkened and their backbone be compelled to see.' Additionally, the holy prophets offer many indictments against the synagogue of the Jews for their iniquities toward Christ.