THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The law presents countless pathways leading to beneficial outcomes, yet it does not provide nourishment suited for mature individuals. Instead, it feeds the early followers as though they are infants, nurturing them gradually toward the mystery of Christ. This is because the law is spiritual and operates in the realm of shadows and images. While it may not appear immediately nourishing for spiritual sustenance, it becomes so when it is aligned with the contemplation of the Gospel and the mystery of Christ. This truth is made clear in the writings of Moses.
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In Leviticus, he states, "When you come into the land which the Lord God will give you, and plant a fruit tree, you shall regard its fruit as uncircumcised: for three years you shall regard it as uncircumcised, you shall not eat it; but in the fourth year all its fruit shall be devoted to the feasts of the Lord; but in the fifth year you may eat its fruit and gather for yourselves all its produce. I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 19:23-25).
Moses’ writings resemble fruitful gardens, rich with a variety of commandments and embellished with trees representing laws for diverse circumstances. Of each tree, it is said to “cleanse” the uncleanness; this signifies the need to remove the superficial aspects of the narrative, stripping away the literal exterior in order to perceive the true essence of the commandments, thus engaging with their inner fruit. The text indicates that for three years, the fruit remains uncircumcised and cannot be consumed. Here, three years symbolize a prolonged period during which the law was deemed unclean, burdened by the heaviness of historical context, and concealed under shadows like an ineffective crown.
These three periods correspond to the times of Moses, Joshua, and the Judges. Following these, a fourth period emerged with the emergence of the holy prophets, during which the fruit of the law was regarded as “holy and praiseworthy.” This was because the prophets initiated the dissolution of the elements contained within the law, elucidating what had existed in shadow and openly proclaiming the truth while extolling the mystery of Christ's coming. Soon after, the Forerunner appeared, declaring, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).
Thus, in this fourth period, the cleansing of the law's matters commenced, and although the fruit was considered holy, it was not deemed ready for consumption until the fifth period—the time of Christ’s advent, as affirmed by the law and the prophets. Consequently, it is said that its fruit shall benefit you; for in addition to the preaching of the Gospel and the teachings within the law, which lead to spiritual contemplation, these are of great utility to those who seek understanding. As our Saviour noted, “the scribe, taught of the kingdom of heaven, is like a master who brings out of his treasury new and old things” (Matt. 13:52), referring to the Gospel as new and the content of the law as old, which provides us with rich knowledge of Christ. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.