THEOSISGregory the Great
When the first man turned away from God, we were expelled from the delights of Paradise and plunged into the hardships of this earthly existence. This is shown in Genesis 3:23-24, and through our experiences of suffering, we recognize the grave mistake we made by succumbing to the serpent's temptations. In our fallen state, we encounter nothing outside of God but sorrow. By following our carnal desires as dictated by our eyes, we face the consequences inflicted by the very flesh we chose over God's commands. In this flesh, we endure daily afflictions, experiencing torment and ultimately death.
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Remarkably, through the very source of our transgression, the Lord orchestrates our punishment, demonstrating that the severity of our suffering stems from what led us to sin; thus, humanity is trained in this life by the painful experiences of the flesh, which, in its pride, leads to death.
Since humanity has faced countless sufferings in this mortal life, and the guilt and punishment of our sins have been obliterated by the arrival of our Redeemer, it can be said of the redeemed individual that his flesh is marked by chastisement, inviting him to return to the days of his youth. It implies, through the suffering of his death, he is restored to the condition of his former self; he is called to be renewed in the wholeness of his earlier life, enabling him to breakthrough from the fallen state and return, redeemed, to fulfill his divine purpose. Scripture frequently references 'youth' in relation to a renewed life. For instance, in the context of the Bridegroom’s arrival, it is stated that the young virgins will love Him, symbolizing the souls of the elect revitalized by the grace of Baptism, who resist the tendencies of their old life and are adorned with the new creation.
The old man, weighed down by sin, laments his faded strength, saying, I have grown old in the midst of all my enemies (Psalms 6:8). In contrast, another voice encourages one to find joy in their vigor, saying, Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth (Eccl. 11:9). This indicates that each person should find happiness in their renewal—not in the pleasures of their past, but in the virtues of their new state. As we embrace this new life, which comes not from our own strength but through the mediation of the Redeemer, let the Messenger speak on our behalf, interceding to return us to the days of our youth. Therefore, as our Redeemer advocates for us with the Father, we can shed the lethargy of our former selves and ignite a fervor for prayer, aligning with the redeemed individual: He shall pray to God, and He shall be gracious to him (Job 33:26).
The Messenger intercedes first, with humanity following suit; had the Lord not first petitioned the Father through His Incarnation and prayed for our lives, our indifference would never rise to advocate for the eternal. His plea through the act of becoming incarnate is paramount, paving the way for our awakening from lethargy. As the light of truth shines with hidden joy in our hearts following temptations and deep sorrows, we find it fitting to acknowledge the aspect of this individual who, while tempted and pleading with God, is depicted as looking upon his exultant face (Job 33:26).