THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Indeed, Palladius. This is why the holy David states: ‘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). The law is thorough, offering irrefutable evidence of its exacting nature as it pertains to all aspects, including vessels, wool, and fabrics. It states, ‘If there be leprosy,’ and a blemish manifests on any of these items, then “the priest” shall “see” it again and remove the “ulcer”; if the stain does not pass onto something better, “let it be burnt upon the fires: for leprosy of histories is,” (Lev. 13:51-52).
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The law also instructs that which is spoiled must be washed; if it is determined that the spoil persists, it is cast into the fire as utterly worthless, perhaps drawing a parallel to wool and skins, which relate to our condition. For it is evident that a horn has no worth in wool, fabric, or similar items; there should be no doubt about this. Thus, we must recognize the seriousness of the sin when, after the cleansing and purification that Christ has performed within us, we do not escape the pollutions but instead continue to dwell in them. If Christ, who has cleansed us, perceives no benefit arising from that washing, He would cast us into the fire as retribution, just as the law-abiding priest, noting no improvement in the duck or the foundation from the washing, ultimately burnt them. Palladius. This is indeed the case. Cyril. Therefore, through leprosy, the law artfully signifies death to sin, using earthly and visible representations to convey deeper truths, elucidating spiritual matters through tangible examples.