THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Indeed, Palladius. This is why 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). The law, it seems, encompasses all, demonstrating its precise nature, from vessels to wool, to weft, warp, and leather. It commands, “If there be leprosy,” and should a blemish arise on any of these items, then “the priest” must “see” once more, and excise the “ulcer”; if the blemish does not improve, “let it be burnt upon the fires: for leprosy of histories is,” as it states (Lev. 13:51-52).
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The law also instructs that any tainted items should be washed; if the corruption remains evident after this, they are to be destroyed by fire, deemed completely unfit, drawing a parallel to wool, duck, basic materials, and skins that pertain to our state. It is clear that no worth can be found in wool, weft, or similar items if they harbor such defects. Thus, it becomes evident that it is a serious transgression if, following the cleansing and washing that Christ has accomplished within us, we do not detach ourselves from impurities but continue to dwell in them. For if Christ, who has purified us, discerns no advantage in our cleansing, He would cast us into the fire for punishment, much like the lawful priest who, finding no improvement in the duck or the fabric, ultimately burnt them. Palladius. This is true. Cyril. Therefore, the law’s reference to leprosy serves as a profound metaphor for death to self, cleverly engaging with observable and tangible realities to illustrate deeper spiritual truths, thereby elucidating matters of the heart through physical examples.