THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril explains that the law teaches, “Also on the ninth day of this seventh month, the day of purification, let there be a holy convocation among you; humble your souls, and offer sacrifice to the Lord; you shall do no work on this day: for it is a day of purification, to cleanse you in the sight of the Lord your God: and every soul that shall not humble itself on that day shall be destroyed from among its people: and if any soul shall do any work on this day, I will destroy that soul from among its people; you shall do no work: this is an everlasting ordinance in your generations, in all your dwellings; this is for you a Sabbath of rest, and humble your souls, from the evening of the ninth day of the month; from evening to evening... you shall celebrate your Sabbath” (Lev. 23:27-32).
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This law instructs the faithful to practice humility and fasting, to present burnt offerings, and to refrain from all labor. Fasting serves to subdue the desires of the flesh, while burnt offerings represent a complete offering of oneself to God, not in parts, but fully and entirely. By resting from work and completely withdrawing from earthly activities, the law illustrates that we should refrain from worldly matters altogether.
Do you not believe that those who have arrived at the end times, who are mindful of this sacred and ultimate trumpet, and who envision the Judge, should strive to gather for themselves treasures of spiritual fruitfulness, engaging in self-denial and transcending bodily desires? They ought to present a life resembling virtue before God and distance themselves from the vanities that characterize this world, which are burdensome to carry.
Palladius reflects, “How could it be otherwise?” Cyril follows with a question, “What do you mean?” Consider those who conquer their passions and put to death ‘your earthly members: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil lust’ (Col. 3:5); do they not present themselves in a pleasing aroma to God as part of the burnt offerings, essentially providing a type of ransom and atonement for their souls?
Palladius responds affirmatively. Cyril continues, “Hence, the fast has rightfully been designated by the Lawgiver as a day of atonement, as it effectively subdues the flesh and its desires and is imbued with virtues. Anyone who does not cease from all worldly pursuits will undoubtedly face serious consequences, as the law distinctly warns that those who neglect fasting, fail to offer burnt offerings, or violate the law of inactivity will be cut off from their people.”