THEOSISGregory the Great
Indeed, the dawn's stars dim, as noted in Job 3:9, when even those individuals who shine with considerable virtues still battle with remnants of sin. Although they harbor within them the radiant light of the divine life, the shadows of night persist within them, contrary to their aspirations. This struggle serves to fortify the mind as it strives for the virtue of righteousness; its frailty encourages a natural luminosity of goodness, while its humility causes small faults to cast a shadow against its own desires.
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As the tribes of Israel were to receive their inheritance in the promised land, it is recounted that the Canaanite people remained rather than being vanquished; they submitted to the tribe of Ephraim, as it is written, "And the Canaanites dwelt among them in Gazer, and paid tribute to them." The Canaanites, representing the vices of a Gentile nation, signify our own weaknesses. We may enter the promised land with noble virtues, emboldened by the hope of eternal life flourishing within us. However, if we retain even minor vices amidst our noble actions, it is akin to permitting the Canaanites to reside in our land. They become like tribute when, unable to completely conquer vice, we humbly redirect it for our benefit. Thus, even when reaching the heights of virtue, the mind must recognize that it cannot surmount even the smallest impediments solely through its own efforts.