THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The wine harvest will be completely consumed, the sowing will come to an end, and no individual will gather the harvest. Let those who placed their trust be troubled, have compassion, and be diminished; let them be exposed and prepare themselves in sackcloth, praying earnestly. We long for the seed and the fruit of the vine. In the homeland of my people, thorns and thistles will emerge, and joy will resound in every household: the hail will be abundant, and the remnants of those left behind will find wealth in the hail, while the houses filled with greed will be abandoned. The treasures of the caves will last forever, bringing joy to the shepherds' donkeys.
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This signifies that the Israelites will not escape retribution; rather, their refusal to accept Christ’s message will culminate in shame and suffering. The cities across Judea were to face desolation, reduced to ashes by Roman hands, leaving them lifeless, as the finest areas were devastated. Those who barely managed to escape were driven away; homes and riches were lost, and what once thrived became a mere lair for wild animals.
Yet, for those seeking a deeper spiritual interpretation, there is more to discern. The metaphor of gathering grapes and sowing signifies the gift of spiritual fruitfulness that makes us pleasing to God, contrasting the thorns of sin birthed by unfaithfulness. The unfortunate Jews lost this spiritual fruitfulness, transforming their once fertile mental vineyard into a wasteland of thorns. As it is written, He waited to see whether he would gather good fruit, yet all that emerged were thorns (Isaiah 5:4). The prophet also declares regarding Israel that all shall be swept away by the wind, as their efforts yield nothing of value (Hosea 8:7). Thus, the vineyard laments: you will no longer deserve the title vineyard, for your produce is unripe. As sowing ceases, you will not be the ground that yields good fruit, nor the nurturer of the garden's harvest. Therefore, truly be astonished and wonder. Have compassion for those who once had faith. You who were previously wise in God, when you perceive your heart void of all goodness, it is then you will feel sorrow, be laid bare, gird your loins, and weep for the cherished land, for the desired harvest of grapes. The source of this grief is the devastation and utter loss of the beloved field and miraculous vineyard. This symbolizes Israel. Furthermore, it is stated that thorns and thistles will emerge in the land of my people. Israel lies desolate because God has abandoned His vineyard, commanding the skies to withhold rain. Thus, it became the delight of the unworthy shepherds, those led by impure spirits. Likewise, the blessed David addresses God, the Savior of all, saying, 'You brought forth grapes from Egypt; you cast out nations and planted them' (Psalm 79:9). He then laments, 'Why have you thrown down his stronghold, causing all who pass by to mock?' (Isaiah 32:13-14). Just as landowners neglect their unproductive grounds, disregarding any damage inflicted, our loving God forsakes the soul devoid of virtue, stripping it of all grace if it fails to bear the fruits of righteousness.