THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Palladius. How should we regard those who aspire to follow God but lack the complete preparation for the journey ahead, who stumble due to their weaknesses and shy away from what demands effort? Cyril. Those who are slow to grasp the desire to please God, who haven't fully devoted their thoughts to a life worthy of the saints, and who invest only a fraction of their natural diligence and fervor in the love of God, while squandering the remainder on the fleeting pleasures of this life, trivial pursuits, and burdensome worries—these reflect the sons of Reuben and Gad as mentioned in the book of Numbers: (Num. 32: 1-7). He also reproached their forefathers for their disobedience, highlighting the consequence they suffered for it, for they ‘died in the wilderness’ (Num.
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5: 4), without ever truly seeing the promised land. He emphasizes: (Num. 32: 14-19). Notably, driven by their desire for pasture and domestic comforts, their affection for their families led them to opt out of crossing the Jordan altogether, as they chose to forgo warfare and the glory associated with the promise of future blessings. They found it preferable to avoid the waters of the Jordan entirely, metaphorically remaining dry-footed. This mirrors the lives of some individuals today: consumed by worldly cares and seemingly fixated on earthly concerns, they scarcely attend to spiritual necessities and disregard matters pertaining to God; ‘many are called,’ yet ‘few are chosen’ (Matthew 20:16). They may be among the called by faith but have not yet entered the ranks of the chosen due to their indulgence in pleasure, displaying indecisiveness even regarding the grace of holy baptism. They hesitate to shoulder the tasks for the glory of God and their own benefit, as is expected of the saints, and shy away from suffering alongside the faithful, even in favorable times. Contemplate deeply what has been shared, and you will be amazed by the profound imagery presented. Palladius. In what manner? Cyril. Those who displayed indifference to the highest call for the sake of cattle, children, and earthly dwellings were Reuben and Gad. Palladius. And what can we conclude about them? Cyril. One was the firstborn of Jacob, and the other was the son of his maidservant Zilpah. Palladius. That is true. Cyril. Thus, those who are firstborn by faith and are called are those who have received from God, within their capacity, the gracious inheritance, not having fallen victim to the tyranny of shameful desires. We refer to ‘the church of the firstborn written in heaven’ (Hebrews 12:23); those justified by faith are recognized as such, while the initial aversion to true liberty is merely a companion to those who embrace the disgrace of servitude. Palladius. Your words are commendable.