THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Indeed, Palladius. As the divine David 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 seems that the law encompasses all, firmly establishing its precision in various materials such as vessels, wool, and leather. It states, ‘If there be leprosy,’ and if a blemish is found on any of these items, then “the priest” shall “see” once more and remove the “ulcer.” Should the blemish not fade into the better state, “let it be burnt upon the fires: for leprosy of histories is,” (Lev. 13:51-52).
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The law also requires that what is spoiled be washed, and if it is evident afterward that the corruption is still present, it is to be destroyed by fire, denoting it as completely worthless, drawing a comparison to materials such as wool, duck, and leather that pertain to our own condition. It is clear that a horn holds no worth in wool, weft, or similar items; how could one possibly question this? Thus, we must recognize it as a serious offense when, following the cleansing and purification that Christ has performed in us, we fail to distance ourselves from the impurities and instead continue to dwell in them. For if Christ, who has washed us, finds no benefit in our purification, He would rightly cast us into the fire as judgment, just as the rightful priest burns the duck or the foundation, seeing no value in their washing. Palladius. This is indeed true. Cyril. In this way, the law uses the example of leprosy to symbolize mortification, effectively teaching through visible and tangible acts while also illuminating deeper spiritual truths through these physical representations.