THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of these afflictions is provided by the law, which states: And if there is a suspicion that leprosy has manifested either in a blistered sore or on a previously burnt area of the body, the priest must apply careful scrutiny once more. If the seemingly flourishing white does not transform into leprosy, it should be declared clear. However, if the white shows signs of converting into leprosy, he shall be deemed unclean and impure (Leviticus 13:18-28). The Law signifies to us that spiritual weaknesses, which are countless, can be cured through a righteous life. If through our carelessness, these weaknesses seem to resurface as if about to break forth again, Christ, our supreme High Priest, will evaluate them and render a just verdict.
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If the affliction has only affected the thoughts, even then the individual is not without blame: he is described as excommunicated (Leviticus 13:26), yet he is not entirely forsaken or spiritually dead. However, if the affliction has extended beyond thoughts to desires, and the afflicted has undergone a complete moral decline, then the consequence of impurity must be applied to him. Therefore, we need to be particularly vigilant to ensure that dormant passions do not revive, to avoid reopening spiritual wounds, and to refrain from reverting to past sins. Otherwise, we too will hear the saint lamenting, ‘But it happens to them according to the faithful proverb: the dog returns to his vomit, and the washed pig goes back to wallow in the mud’ (2 Pet. 2:22). Palladium. It seems to me that your words are wise and quite fitting.