THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The sacred prophets traditionally draw from the private insights of a select few and expand them into a universal, more public truth. This is exemplified in the gifts of Christ. Once again, we find that the essence remains unchanged. When does the earth receive its due boldness? Or, as it is written, "when hath the Lord magnified what He hath done"? It was when the Word, who is God, took on humanity, enabling Him to enrich the heavens with abundance, transforming into a source of peace for those who trust in Him, like a flowing river, a wellspring of joy, a nourishing rain, granting all forms of spiritual vitality.
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At that moment, even for the most unaware, a certain spiritual nourishment emerged—the teachings of those who guide others; 'then the fields of the wilderness were withered.' The Church celebrates the desert, as it is written: "Rejoice, thirsty desert, let the desert rejoice, and let it blossom like a crin" (Isaiah 35:1); their 'fields' represent the leaders among men, who, through divine gifts from above, cultivate the spirit, making it flourish, vibrant with the richness of doctrine and adorned with fresh growth. They uplift the weary soul, bringing them to a comprehension that befits humanity. The analogy drawn is that "the tree brings forth its fruit, the grapes and the figs give their strength," where the firm teachings reflect the sweetness and joy found within them. However, we ought to also provide the less intellectually inclined, often compared to cattle and grounded in earthly matters, with simpler teachings that resemble grass in both appearance and meaning. Meanwhile, for those who are already spiritually mature, we offer the elevated fruits found on fruitful trees—discussions on the holy and consubstantial Trinity and moral guidance, revered as if from on high. For this reason, he refers to them as cattle and designates the more accomplished as 'Zion,' urging them to rejoice in the Lord our God, for Christ is the joy of our spirit, the source of all blessings, and the giver of heavenly gifts to those who love Him, manifest in the form of early and late rains, overflow of wheat at the threshing floor, abundant wine, and flowing oil. It is essential to recognize that this promise holds true in the context of sacramental fulfillment: the living water of holy baptism comes to us like rain, represented by wheat—spiritual sustenance—and wine—the blood. The use of oil is also significant, which completes the perfection justified in Christ through holy baptism.