THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril states that the law instructs, "Also on the ninth day of this seventh month, the day of purification, there shall be a holy assembly; humble your souls and present offerings to the Lord; no work shall be done on this day, as it is a day of purification, meant to cleanse you in the sight of the Lord your God. Every soul that does not humble itself on this day will be cut off from its people; and any soul that engages in work on this day, I will eliminate that soul from among its people. You shall do no work: this is a perpetual command for all your generations in every place you dwell. This will be a Sabbath of rest for you, and you must humble your souls, from the evening of the ninth day of the month; from evening to evening you shall keep your Sabbath" (Lev. 23:27-32).
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The law emphasizes the importance of humility and fasting, calling for burnt offerings and a cessation of all labor, where fasting symbolizes the mortification of carnal desires, and burnt offerings represent the total dedication of oneself to God, offering not just parts but the entirety in a pleasing aroma. By refraining from work and withdrawing completely from worldly affairs, the law signifies that we are to relinquish earthly matters entirely.
Do you not agree that those who have reached the culmination of time, who hold this sacred and ultimate trumpet in their minds and keep the Judge before their thoughts, should be diligent in restraining their desires and rise above base passions? Moreover, they ought to present themselves to God with a virtuous lifestyle, distancing themselves from trivial pursuits and the heavy burdens of worldly life. Palladius responds, pondering how it could be any different. Cyril then questions what he means, observing that those who conquer their passions and strive to eliminate “your earthly members: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil lust” (Col. 3:5) offer themselves as a sweet aroma to God, akin to burnt offerings, which serve as a ransom and atonement for their souls. Palladius concurs wholeheartedly.
Cyril continues, stating that the Lawgiver has designated the day of fasting as the day of atonement, which is fitting and appropriate since it suppresses the flesh and its desires, becoming a fragrant expression of virtue. Additionally, anyone who neglects to cease from all worldly endeavors will undoubtedly face severe hardships, as the law clearly outlines; it ensures that anyone who does not fast, present burnt offerings, or violate the command of non-activity will be severed from their people.