THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Palladius asked whom we should consider among those who aspire to follow God but are not fully committed to the task at hand. They falter due to weakness and shy away from what requires diligent effort. Cyril responded that those who exhibit sluggishness and struggle to align their thoughts with what pleases God, who do not fully immerse themselves in a life suitable for the saints, spend only a fraction of their innate diligence and fervor in seeking God's love, while squandering the majority on the fleeting pleasures of this life, engaging in fruitless activities and burdensome worries. These individuals resemble the tribes of Reuben and Gad, mentioned in the book of Numbers.
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Following this, he chastises their forebears for disobedience, highlighting the consequences they faced for it; they “died in the wilderness,” having not seen the promised land, as referenced in Scripture. Furthermore, he emphasizes that for the sake of pastures and livestock, and out of love for their families, they refused to cross the Jordan, choosing instead to abandon warfare and the pursuit of glory and hope associated with future blessings. They believed it best to remain dry-footed, avoiding the waters of the Jordan.
This mirrors how some individuals lead their lives, consumed by earthly cares, giving their entire hearts to worldly pursuits, while neglecting what is truly important and disregarding matters pertaining to God. As said, “many are called, but few are chosen.” They exist among the called, believing by faith, yet not counted among the elect due to their indulgence in pleasures, hesitating even to embrace the grace of baptism and reluctant to engage in efforts for the glory of God and their own salvation, similar to the saints, even in favorable circumstances. Now, if you focus your mind on the profound meaning of this writing, you will be astonished by its beauty.
Palladius inquired how this is so. Cyril explained that those who displayed indifference to the most profound truths for the sake of their livestock and families were indeed Reuben and Gad. Palladius then asked what significance this holds. Cyril explained that one belonged to the esteemed lineage as the firstborn son of Jacob, while the other was born of Zilpah, the maidservant. Palladius acknowledged this. Cyril continued, saying that the term "firstborn" refers to those of faith, who, to the best of their abilities, have received from God a chosen inheritance by grace but have not embraced true liberty due to their inclination toward shameful desires. We speak of the “church of the firstborn written in heaven,” referring to those justified by faith. However, a fundamental aversion to liberty serves as a companion to those who yield to the disgrace of servitude. Palladius praised this insightful reflection.