THEOSISMaximus the Confessor
Why is a person who has a partial leprosy considered unclean by the Law, while one who is entirely afflicted is deemed clean? The individual with leprosy affecting any part of the body is essentially dead, as the life-giving blood has departed, resulting in a void. Whenever the leprous sore is examined by the priest, it is declared unclean. Similarly, anyone with leprosy in any aspect of the soul is rendered impure, as the soul has become hollowed out, or has suffered through the loss of the life-giving essence of virtue. A person who has leprosy covering the entirety of their being is affected only on the surface and remains untouched within; the vital blood flows throughout the exterior of their body.
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This implies that someone who has descended to the depths of wickedness, yet later repents, can restore the life-giving force of virtue. Their conscience may still bear traces of past actions, reminding them of what they have committed, as if they had committed it anew. Therefore, the Law recognizes such an individual as clean.