THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Indeed, Palladius. The sacred David thus proclaims, “The sin of my youth, and my ignorance, remember me not: in thy mercy remember me, for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord” (Ps. 24:7). It is as if the law encompasses all aspects, verifying its intrinsic precision through various materials, such as vessels, wool, fabric, and leather goods. It states, “If there be leprosy,” indicating that if any of these items show signs of disease, then “the priest” must “see” again and remove the “ulcer.” If the stain does not improve, it shall be burned in the fire, for “leprosy of fabrics is” (Lev. 13:51-52).
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The law also requires that spoiled items be cleansed; yet if the deterioration persists, they are to be destroyed by fire as completely worthless, paralleling our human condition to wool, fabrics, and skins. For surely, the horn holds no worth in wool or similar materials, and there can be no uncertainty about this. Therefore, it must be recognized as a serious transgression if, following the cleansing and renewal that Christ has enacted in us, we do not distance ourselves from impurities but choose to dwell within them. If Christ, who purifies us, perceives no good resulting from that cleansing, He would condemn us to the flames as a consequence, just as a lawful priest would, having found no benefit in the duck or the foundation after washing, would ultimately burn them. Palladius. That is indeed the case. Cyril. Thus, through the imagery of leprosy, the law eloquently signifies death to sin, employing visible and tangible realities to convey deeper, spiritual truths and using physical examples to illuminate the inner life.