THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
It is the practice of the holy prophets to convey truths that transition from the private possessions of a select few to those that are universal and more accessible to all. These are the blessings bestowed by Christ. Thus, we arrive at a similar expression again. Indeed, when does the earth receive its rightful boldness? Or, "when hath the Lord magnified what He hath done"? Was it not when the Word, who is God, took on human form, so that He might pour forth abundant grace upon the heavenly realms and become for those who have faith in Him, a river of tranquility, a Source of joy, a season of rain both early and late, as well as the provider of all spiritual fruitfulness?
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It was at that time that even for the least discerning, referred to as ‘Polish cattle,’ a certain spiritual pasture emerged—the teachings of those who instruct; "then the fields of the wilderness were withered." The Church speaks of the desert, as in the words: "Rejoice, thirsty desert; let the desert exult and bud like a lily" (Isaiah 35:1); their ‘fields’ represent the leaders of humanity who, through divine endowments from above, cultivate the spirit, causing it to flourish and blossom, fragrant with the richness of doctrines and adorned with lush greenery. They uplift the spirit of those who stumble, guiding them toward an understanding that befits mankind. He also mentioned that "the tree brings forth its fruit; the vine and the fig tree yield their strength," likening the fruitful yield of figs and grapes to the robust teachings of instructors, which possess both sweetness and joy. However, it is essential to offer to those of slower understanding and marked by ignorance a simpler teaching akin to that accessible to cattle, grounded in the earth, which emerges in those who study a little, akin to tender grass both in its appearance and meaning, while to those who are already perfected - the elevated fruit found on fruitful trees - discussions about the holy and consubstantial Trinity or moral instruction presented as if from a height. For this reason, they are called cattle, and Zion represents the children of the more mature, whom he encourages to rejoice in the Lord our God, for the entirety of our spiritual joy comes from Christ, in whom resides the fullness of blessings and the granting of heavenly gifts to those who love Him, represented as early and late rains, an overflowing supply of wheat, wine, and abundant oil. It must be acknowledged that this promise also holds true in the context of sacramental realization: the living water of holy baptism is given to us symbolically as rain, represented as wheat—bread for the body, and as wine—His precious blood. Additionally, the use of oil completes the perfection granted in Christ through holy baptism.