THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
“‘Enter through the narrow gate,’ Christ called to His friends (Matthew 7:13). The narrow gate and the narrow way (Matthew 7:14) symbolize the perseverance through trials and commendable patience, which enable those who aspire to higher spiritual matters to attain great glory and find joy in their pursuit of courage and virtue. Just as triumphs in battle reveal the bravery of the warrior, so too does the capacity to withstand the challenges from temptation with grace and strength garner admiration and honor. The disciple of the Savior reassures us that such individuals will invariably be marked as remarkable, stating: ‘Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he is tested, he will receive the crown of life’ (James 1:12).
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Those who have achieved this fortitude and glory proclaim, ‘You have tested us, O God; you have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into a net; you laid burdens on our backs. You caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water, but you brought us out to a place of abundance’ (Psalm 65:10-12). For toil ultimately leads to joy, and trials broaden the challenging path for those who bravely confront them. God, who understands all hidden things, sees everything before it comes into being, for ‘all things are naked and open before His eyes’ (Heb. 4:13). Yet He waits to see the outcome of the works and courage of those who face temptation, aiming for them not only to be deemed worthy of rewards according to His foreknowledge but also so that both angels and humans will honor them as victors and examples of virtue through their actions. Thus, the blessed Paul speaks of himself and fellow saints, having valiantly fought and triumphed, describing themselves as a spectacle ‘to the world, to angels and men’ (1 Cor. 4:9). Israel is tried in many ways, so they may ultimately be glorified before God, who bears with sinners due to His immense mercy. Above all, every event recorded speaks of the sacrament of Christ. Recently, while discussing the manna and the quails, we illustrated Israel’s struggle with a lack of understanding and an inclination towards worldly pleasure. Yet soon after, they again angered God, as it is written, ‘And the whole congregation of the children of Israel journeyed...’ (Ex. 17:1-7). This is what Divine revelation communicates in the book of Exodus, and in Numbers, a detailed account is provided, which I believe is essential for us to fully understand the historical events and appreciate the beauty of spiritual reflection. It is recorded, ‘And the children of Israel came...’ (Num. 20:1-13). They traversed a desolate land, and as they suffered from exhaustion during their journey, they directed their grievances towards Moses and Aaron whenever they encountered hardships. During the first month of the year, also known as the month of new fruits, the shadowy services were coming to an end, diminished and nearly abolished. How was this so? The only begotten Word of God manifested Himself to us in a tangible way during this time of new fruits. He declared, ‘I am present as the spring on the mountains’ during this period (Ex. 13:4, Exodus 34:18; Deuteronomy 16:1). Thus, He summoned the Church from among the Gentiles, saying, ‘Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come’ (Song of Songs 2:10-12). In Christ, we have blossomed into newness of life, with His arrival reflecting a spiritual spring, revitalizing human nature to flourish and bear fruit. Then, in the waning of prophetic signs, akin to the death of Miriam, the people felt the thirst and longing for spiritual sustenance.”