THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. To this, he further states: "But if you bring a grain offering baked in the oven, it must consist of unleavened bread made from fine flour mixed with oil, and unleavened cakes spread with oil. If your offering is a grain sacrifice from a pan, it shall be made of unleavened flour mixed with oil; break it into fragments and pour oil on it: this is a grain offering. If your sacrifice is a food offering from a pot, it must be prepared from wheat flour combined with oil" (Leviticus 2:4-7). Palladius. The significance of the law is profound! Explain it so that we can delve into such intricate topics and remain steadfast in our mission. Cyril.
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This wisdom and prudence of the law deserve our attention; it reaches every condition, accepts even the tiniest offerings, and ensures they are pleasing and fragrant. Indeed, Christ Himself teaches: "And whoever gives one of these little ones a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42). There is a similar principle to grasp here, glorifying the benevolence of the Lawgiver with fitting praises. The offering is accepted, even if one aims to fulfill the law's requirements with modest gifts. Whether the offering is leavened or unleavened bread, whether it comes from "the oven, or from the griddle, or from the hearth," or even if it isn't wheat but rather newly ground grains, as long as it is accompanied by oil and incense, it is acceptable. These words suggest that Scripture points us toward honoring the saints through trials, labor, and brokenness; for the furnace and fiery trials, as well as the grinding process, undoubtedly symbolize the struggles and endeavors of those tested like gold. Consequently, they have proclaimed on this noble journey, "You have tested us, O God; you have refined us as silver is refined" (Psalm 65:10). The divinely inspired David also proclaims: "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 50:19). That those who endure in this manner become a sweet aroma of Christ is certainly true; likewise, that they shall be forgiven and thoroughly refreshed by the grace of the Spirit is evident to one who contemplates the significance of incense and oil. Indeed, do we not see that what is laid out in the law subtly hints at the profound and unseen realities? Palladius. Indeed, that is so.