THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Having set aside the rough exterior of the Mosaic Law and liberated the mind from the burdens of deep-seated traditions, the one who has dedicated himself to God through a vow of purity, resembling someone with fresh growth, truly embodies an enlightened understanding of the commandments given by Christ. This person shall be holy and esteemed, exalted in the pleasing aroma of devotion to God, as he presents to Him a worthy offering, the splendid and unblemished beauty of his life. For it is said, “let him bring his gift, a lamb of one year old for a burnt-offering, and also a lamb...
Read more (194 words)
for sin's sake, and also a sheep for a sacrifice of salvation, and a sheaf of unleavened bread soaked in oil, and the unleavened bread anointed with oil.” The lamb may rightly symbolize the spiritual infancy of the offerer in Christ, while the ram signifies the completeness of the mind and fruitfulness. As it is stated, “Brethren, be not children in mind: for evil be ye babes, but in understanding be ye men” (1 Cor. 14:20). At the heart of these offerings lies the concept of “sin for sin's sake,” illustrating that even those who are exceedingly pure, leading lives of simplicity and integrity, as understood in Christ and holding soundness of mind, are not entirely without fault; rather, they require purification. No one achieves absolute blamelessness, for only Immanuel can claim, “For the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me” (John 14:30). Therefore, we present ourselves symbolically in the lamb, acknowledging our spiritual infancy in Christ; in the lamb, we recognize our natural frailties and tendencies toward wrongdoing, as femininity reflects vulnerability. In the sheep, we additionally offer ourselves as perfected, having reached the fullness of the stature of Christ.