THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. In a more precise understanding of these afflictions, the Scripture states: And if there is a concern or assumption that leprosy has manifested in a blistered sore or on a part of the body that has been previously burned, the priest should apply the same level of care and observation again. If the seemingly blossoming white remains unaltered and does not turn into leprosy, it is to be considered clean. However, if the white does indeed change into leprosy, the individual is deemed unclean and defiled (Leviticus 13:18-28).
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The Law also instructs us that numerous spiritual ailments, which can be mitigated by a righteous life and may become hardened over time, require vigilance; if through our negligence they begin to resurface, Christ, our great High Priest, will assess them and deliver an accurate verdict. If these afflictions are confined to thoughts alone, even then the individual is not without fault: he is described as excommunicated (Leviticus 13:26), yet he is not altogether cast out or considered fully dead. Should these afflictions extend beyond thoughts to desires, leading the afflicted one into a complete moral decline, then he must face the consequences of his impurity. Therefore, we must guard against rekindling dormant passions, avoiding the reopening of spiritual wounds and returning to former sins. Otherwise, we may hear the faithful saying, ‘For it has happened to them according to the true proverb: a dog returns to its vomit, and a washed pig goes back to wallowing in the mud’ (2 Peter 2:22). Palladium. I believe you express this correctly and appropriately.