THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
O magnificent and eternal God, who in Your humility has brought down those who reside in lofty heights: You will bring an end to the strong cities and humble me to the dust. And I will trample down the proud and the lowly. For the wondrous acts of God inspire gratitude from the holy prophets, who exult and rejoice in His sovereign rule. This is a testament to their profound sincerity. They rejoice in witnessing the radiance of God’s glory and the downfall of those who oppose it, namely the unclean spirits and Satan, whom Isaiah compares to fortified cities, declaring that they dwell on high; they harbor arrogant and defiant thoughts, rebelling against the hand of God, foolishly believing they will escape judgment for their offenses, ruling over those on earth.
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But You, O Lord, are the one true eternal God, proven by Your actions: in Your humility, You have brought low those in high places, shattering the power of the proud and casting them to the ground, as if their strongholds have crumbled utterly. This is what it signifies: down to the ground. You have permitted the meek and humble to tread upon them. Who are these humble ones? Are they not the faithful followers of the Savior's commandments, who strive to emulate their Lord? He calls out, saying: Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest: take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matthew 11:28-30). Let us also reflect on His words: Behold, I give you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). For the dragon of apostasy has been trampled down; we have stepped upon the asp and the basilisk, those who seek refuge under the wings of the Most High and dwell in the shelter of the God of heaven, who is Christ. He is revered in heaven; for when He states He brings the firstborn into the world, He commands, And let all the angels of God worship Him (Heb. 1:6).