THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Indeed, Palladius. Consequently, the holy David declares: “The sin of my youth and my ignorance, do not remember; according to your mercy remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord” (Ps. 24:7). It appears that the law encompasses all things, demonstrating its intrinsic precision through various objects, including vessels, wool, the weaving process, and leather. “If there be leprosy,” it states, and if a defect manifests on any of these items, then “the priest” shall “see” again and remove the “ulcer”; and if the blemish does not improve, “let it be burnt in the fire, for the leprosy of items is” (Lev. 13:51-52).
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The law also instructs that anything defective should be cleansed; and if, after this washing, the defect persists, it is to be considered irredeemable and consigned to the flames, resembling perhaps the wool, duck, and skins in relation to our situation. For, just as there is no value found in wool, fabric, or similar items concerning a horn, one would question how anyone might argue otherwise. Therefore, we must recognize it as a grave sin if, after the cleansing and washing that Christ has performed in us, we do not sever ties with our impurities but choose to remain entangled in them. For if Christ, who has purified us, perceives no value in us from that purification, He would cast us into the fire as a form of judgment, just as the lawful priest would ultimately burn the duck or the fabric if they yielded no benefit from the washing. Palladius. That is indeed correct. Cyril. Thus, through the metaphor of leprosy, the law eloquently alludes to the concept of mortification, artfully drawing from observable and tangible instances while addressing deeper spiritual truths, using physical examples to elucidate the mental.