THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The law stipulates that “Also on the ninth day of this seventh month, the day of purification, let there be a holy gathering among you; humble your souls and present offerings to the Lord; you shall perform no work on this day: for it is a day of purification, to cleanse you in the presence of the Lord your God: and every soul that does not humble itself on that day shall be cut off from its people: and if any soul engages in work on this day, I will cut off that soul from among its people; you shall perform no work: this is a perpetual statute in your generations, in all your dwellings; this is for you a Sabbath of rest, and you shall 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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The law requires humility and fasting, the offering of burnt sacrifices, and also the cessation of all labor, where fasting symbolizes the mortification of earthly desires, and burnt offerings signify the total dedication of oneself to God, not in pieces, but wholly and completely. By resting from work and entirely withdrawing from everyday activities, the law conveys that we should refrain from earthly pursuits. Consider those who have reached the conclusion of time, mindful of this sacred and final trumpet, and who, in their contemplation of the Judge, collect the treasures of their spiritual productivity; should they not strive to suppress their desires and rise above earthly passions? Furthermore, they ought to present to God a life filled with virtue, distancing themselves from vanities, which I suggest are the distractions and heavy burdens of this world. Palladius affirms this view. Cyril asks, Does not the conquerors of their passions, who have put to death “your earthly members: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil lust” (Col. 3:5), offer themselves with a pleasing aroma to God, as if making a ransom and atonement for their souls? Palladius agrees readily. Cyril explains that the day of fasting has been designated by the Lawgiver as the day of atonement, which is fitting since it subdues the flesh and its desires while being filled with the essence of virtue. He who neglects to cease from all worldly work will invariably face severe consequences, as the law clearly indicates that those who do not fast, or present burnt offerings, or transgress the command to refrain from action, shall be consumed from their people.