THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Sacred items, that is, holy offerings, should only be consumed appropriately by those who are spiritually sound; they should not be given to individuals who are unwell or have been tainted by the influence of outsiders. As it is written, "With the stroppy you will be corrupted" (Ps. 17:27). It is not harmless for those who are genuinely sanctified to treat holy things as mundane, believing them to be equivalent to ordinary food. This is clarified by the statement: "Whoever eats any of the holy things by mistake must give the priest the holy things and add a fifth of them to it.
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The priests themselves shall not defile the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer to the Lord, nor shall they bring upon themselves the guilt of offense when they eat of their holy things, for I am the Lord that sanctify them" (Leviticus 22:14-16). Palladius. I do not quite understand what you are saying. Cyril. You will understand this clearly, as it is not complicated. The offerings made in the fragrant smoke, whether bulls or sheep, were only partially sacrificed on the altar. The entrails, legs, head, fat, and sometimes kidneys were set aside, while the remainder was consumed by the priests, as "they that eat the sacrifices are not partakers of the altar," as the apostle Paul noted (1 Cor. 10:18). Thus, it was essential that a portion of the offering be consecrated to God according to the proper ritual for each sacrifice, with the remaining parts being rewarded to those who conducted the offering. If someone were to take the entirety of the gift for personal use, without the associated incense, they would be guilty according to the law, akin to having consumed the sacred offerings. This was the wrongful act of the sons of the priest Eli, who stole and desecrated what was intended for God prior to the sacrifice, brazenly demanding from those bringing sacrifices, "Give meat for the priest's roast" (1 Kings 2:15). Such transgressions, being blatant and inherently offensive, resulted in appropriate consequences. However, if someone unwittingly commits such an act, either from forgetfulness or misunderstanding of the laws, they ought to be penalized and must provide adequate restitution immediately; "and let him add to this a fifth part," which means a fifth of the value, thereby addressing the guilt and remedying the injury caused "through ignorance" (Leviticus 22:14-16). Therefore, if even unintentional actions carry guilt, how much more shall we consider the gravity of those committed with intention and arrogance? Those who respect the sacred must vigilantly refrain from appropriating anything prior to the sacrifice; otherwise, they should recognize that through grievous sin, they will face punishment and incur divine wrath. Do you not agree with this, my friend? Palladius. Indeed, I do.