THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Certainly, here is the paraphrased text:
Cyril. Indeed, Palladius. Hence, the holy David proclaims: ‘The sin of my youth and my ignorance, remember not: in your mercy remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord’ (Ps. 24:7). The law seems to address every situation, demonstrating its inherent precision, whether it be with vessels, wool, fabric, or leather. It states, ‘If there be leprosy’ and a blemish is found on any of these items, then “the priest” shall “see” anew and remove the “ulcer”: and if the stain does not improve, “let it be burnt upon the fires; for leprosy of histories is,” as stated (Lev. 13:51-52).
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The law further instructs that what is contaminated must be cleansed; however, if it becomes clear that the contamination persists, it must be destroyed by fire, deemed completely useless, resembling perhaps wool, cloth, and hides, which is significant for our understanding. Indeed, a horn holds no worth regarding wool, fabric, or similar materials; how could anyone question this? Thus, it is critical to recognize the seriousness of a transgression when, after the purification and cleansing that Christ has performed in us, we remain entangled in our impurities. For if Christ, who cleansed us, finds no benefit in our purification, He would condemn us to the flames as punishment, just as the lawful priest would ultimately destroy the duck or the foundation if he saw no improvement following the washing. Palladius. This is accurate. Cyril. Therefore, the law artfully uses the metaphor of leprosy to signify the concept of mortality, cleverly drawing from observable and tangible actions while alluding to deeper spiritual truths, using physical examples to elucidate the spiritual.