THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril highlights the regulations for the offerings presented by the Israelites, emphasizing the institution of the sacrifice for the sacred lineage, which is articulated in the scripture: “This is the offering of Aaron and his sons, which they shall offer to the Lord on the day of his anointing: A tenth part of an ephah of wheat flour for a continual sacrifice, half of this for the morning and half for the evening; in a pan in oil it shall be cooked; when it is soaked in oil bring it in pieces, as a grain offering is broken in pieces; bring it in a pleasant savour unto the Lord; and the priest anointed in his place of his sons shall perform these things: this is the everlasting statute of the Lord.
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All it shall be burnt; and every grain offering of the priest shall all be burnt, and not eaten” (Leviticus 6:20-23).
Palladius is invited to notice the precision of the law and the profound depth within its sacred permanence. Unlike the offerings from the congregation—which represent a life that is partially unholy as it exists between God and worldly concerns—the law distinctly required the burnt offering for the priests, as they were set apart in holiness. The flour designated as a sacrifice was to be offered to God continuously, symbolizing a life devoted entirely to the Lord. This life is characterized by unbroken devotion, as illustrated by the declaration: “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:19-20).
The measurement of a tenth part of an ephah of wheat flour signifies a life that is pleasing to God at all times. The phrase “in a pan” along with “bring it in pieces, fed with oil” suggests significant meaning; the pan may refer to afflictions, the oil symbolizes joyfulness, and the presentation in pieces represents the gentle and comforting nature inherent in the hearts of the saints. The life of the saint is marked by resilience, an abundance of hope in the Lord, and complete comfort.
Its most remarkable aspect is its indestructibility, as it is written: “A broken and humble heart will not be humbled by God” (Psalm 50:19). Conversely, the heart of the adversary is described in Scripture: “you are as hard as a stone ... and like an anvil shall not move” (Job 41:15). This divine law endures indefinitely, carried on through the lineage of the priesthood, prompting us to emulate the virtuous deeds of those who came before us while honoring the legacy of our ancestors in service to God, offering the most pleasing aroma to Him—unified rather than divided. This understanding aligns with the teaching that “every sacrifice of the priest shall be burnt altogether.”
Palladius, our calling is to present ourselves wholly to God, dedicating ourselves in fragrant offerings, while adhering to the examples set by the saints and mirroring their spiritual priestly actions.
Cyril affirms this sentiment, agreeing with Palladius.