THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
It is evident, as demonstrated by the circumstances themselves, that it is perilous to be trivial and to succumb to cowardice, especially for those who have already gained experience in the spiritual battle and who do not seek acclaim for their efforts, having grown accustomed to noble deeds in the pursuit of righteousness. This assertion is confirmed and substantiated. It has been made clear that not only is grumbling against the Lord indicative of hatred for Him and deserving of judgment, but also that cowardice itself is intertwined with a devaluation of the goodness of the Savior, particularly when the efforts exerted are still quite minimal.
Read more (256 words)
However, what is truly condemnable and even worse is the inclination to embrace immorality; while having access to divine blessings without obstruction, one pursues fleeting pleasures and indulges in impure desires. Choosing that which is wicked is a blatant insult to the highest and salvific truths, and favoring the heavenly over the earthly—despite the latter's grave abominations—represents a profoundly sinful mindset. The prophet Isaiah sorrowfully laments such individuals, declaring: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who regard darkness as light and light as darkness, who regard bitter as sweet and sweet as bitter!” (Is. 5:20). The Israelites, as we shall observe, fell into utter sinfulness as a result of these inclinations. After the inevitable consequence of punishment followed their complaints, they were soon overtaken by desires for the most disgraceful actions; in their disdain for the gifts from God, they mournfully longed for the heavenly blessings, provoking the Judge to be displeased with them, as Scripture records.
Consider how trivial and unreliable Israel was, incapable of rendering aid to others; instead, they were burdened by their own weaknesses, revolving solely around their self-interests. The common people were consumed by irrational and despicable cravings, while those with the responsibility to admonish them and urge them toward more appropriate thoughts were even more afflicted than they.
Much like their forebears, who criticized the provision of manna, audaciously declaring, "Our soul is dried away," because of this manna (Num. 11:6), they now again reject the True Bread, unapologetically stating, "This teaching is hard" (John 6:60).