THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
Let us reflect on the significance of origins and whether their worth is determined by time or by sacredness, specifically whether all firstfruits carry the holiness of ‘first fruits.’ According to divine law, firstfruits are deemed sacred since they represent the utmost expression of faith and sacrifice; yet, holiness arises from righteousness, not merely from time elapsed. It is not the harvest that confers holiness, but rather righteousness. When bounty arrives swiftly but piety lags, it leads to transgression. Thus, not everything that is firstborn is holy, but everything that is holy is regarded as firstborn. Cain is firstborn yet lacks holiness. The people of Israel are sanctified, although they were not first chronologically; nonetheless, they are designated as firstborn, as articulated by the prophets, "My firstborn is Israel" (Ex. 4:22). Levi, although holy, is not the firstborn, being the third son of Leah. However, the Levites— deriving their name from Levi— are referred to as firstborn, as outlined in the book of Numbers: “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn of the children of Israel... the Levites shall be mine, for all the firstborn are mine. In the day that I smote all the firstborn of Egypt, I sanctified all the firstborn of Israel” (Num. 3:12-13). Consequently, the Levites serve as the firstborn, set apart prior to the other Israelite children. The apostle elaborates on their status: “But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, to the darknesses of the triumphant angels, and to the churches of the firstborn, which are written in heaven” (Heb. 12:22-23). The apostle presents four elements in succession: Mount Zion, the city of Jerusalem, the triumph of angels, and the firstfruits of the church. The Lord chose the Levites from among the Israelites, wishing for them to assist in divine ministry, free from worldly distractions. He made them His firstfruits to cultivate the spiritual womb, selecting them for their rejection of secular concerns, not originating from the earthly womb of sin. The Levites do not partake in earthly dominion, nor are they classified among the people, for they possess the Word of God, as expressed in the Gospel: “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20)— and again, “There stands among you Someone whom you do not know” (John 1:26). Hence, we realize that faith must primarily reside in God. With faith, we strive to perfect our deeds, as it is the perfect sacrifice, as the Lord teaches regarding His offerings and rewards: "See that the offering to Me is made on My feast days" (Num. 28:2)— presenting a perfect, true, and unblemished offering, without any loss or division. The feast day pertains to the Lord’s day, a time for expressing gratitude for perfect virtues; these virtues are perfected when the spirit overcomes worldly distractions and bodily temptations, expelling alluring desires, remains unattached to this world, and, devoted to God, adheres to the straight path in intention, refraining from squandering time and feelings on luxuries or labor. Only the wise person— and none other!— achieves joyful triumph, for it is challenging to find a soul unscathed by such passions. Thus, discern judiciously between the main and the subordinate aspects of the soul, and you will grasp what is masculine and what is feminine. Virtue cannot exist without effort, since effort is the path to virtue. This is confirmed in the law: “Everything that opens the womb of a donkey, replace it with a sheep” (Ex. 13:13), indicating that unclean animals are removed from offerings, making way for clean substitutes. The offspring of a donkey, emblematic of impurity, should be exchanged for a sheep, which is clean and worthy of sacrifice. This interpretation holds true in a literal sense. However, if we consider the deeper spiritual meaning, the donkey represents a working creature, while the sheep symbolizes fertility. Thus, the law prescribes that labor should yield its fruits, that work may be crowned with results. Alternatively, it may signify that all your effort and diligence should be rendered acceptable through pure and simple intent. If you do not exchange it, you must redeem it (Ex. 13:13). The literal meaning instructs us to bring forth another animal or its monetary value instead of the unclean one, ensuring that amongst the tithe of the fruit, no lesser or unclean animal is presented. A deeper understanding encourages one to liberate the soul from that which bears no fruit; in redeeming, one is freed as if debts are settled. It is incumbent upon us to forsake endeavors that cannot yield genuine fruitfulness! Such earthly pursuits, while they may offer fleeting benefits, yield no lasting good for the soul. Any effort that enslaves the soul, though it may bear results, proves to be in vain. We observe the tremendous victories of those in battle and the glory of those who succeed, yet often the victors rush into renewed conflict, the outcome of which remains uncertain, and in such struggles fall to the adversary, evoking profound pity for those who once triumphed. Thus, it is essential to direct your endeavors toward God, who will aid you with His goodwill. An athlete, entering the fray, relies on his strength rather than the might of another, often fearing he strays from the true path. When reaching victory’s crown, he learns worldly glory fades as quickly as the leaves of the crown. A helmsman, upon securing a ship in port, hardly considers his task fulfilled, as he immediately seeks another. The soul is freed from the body, yet beyond this life, it still faces future judgment, the outcome of which is unknowable. There is no conclusion where we presume to find it. Therefore, guided by prayers, a clear conscience, and love, let us cling to God and find His divine favor, seeking liberation from the harsh servitude and rut of worldly concerns, embracing the freedom of higher knowledge, the true and only liberation.