THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Let us now consider the significance of allowing one’s hair to grow long for the Lord. It is essential to first note that the foolish inhabitants of Hellenic culture, in accordance with their strange practices and living like mute creatures, would let their hair flow freely, under the belief that it was grown for their deities. At times, they would cut it, offering it to mountain and river nymphs as part of their rituals. In contrast, the wise Moses, or rather, through Moses, God established similar customs in the law for the Israelites, who struggled to shed the influence of Egyptian ways. Gradually, through ancient traditions and mannerisms, akin to images and shadows, they were guided away from venerating false gods, shifting instead to the worship of the one true God.
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Consequently, God instituted laws concerning sacrifices, reluctantly permitting the offering of blood sacrifices. Through the prophet Isaiah, He questioned, "Who shall take these things out of your hands?" (Isaiah 1:12). While the Greeks sustained absurd customs, the law imparts wisdom and even what may appear trivial is skillfully transformed into something good.
Would you like us to elaborate on each aspect as much as possible? Palladius responded positively. Cyril continued, Do you remember my earlier assertion that the Word of God sees the head as a representation of the soul, the rightful dwelling of the mind? This is the interpretation embraced by divinely inspired Scripture. Palladius acknowledged this. What follows from this? The point is that hair symbolizes the produce of the head, sprouting from it as shoots from the earth; similarly, thoughts and all that arises from the mind are its fruits. They renew the law within us and serve as lovely, flourishing adornments. Thus, our minds should not be barren and devoid of righteous thoughts, but should be, metaphorically speaking, lush and vibrant for God, akin to hair, endowed with knowledge that enables us to grasp the Divine beauty, exploring its essence and diving deep to attain a profound understanding. This grants the individual an immaculate comprehension of God, guiding them on an unwavering path toward all that is commendable. Would you not agree that such a person reaches the pinnacle of all commendation? Palladius affirmed this strongly.
Does not shaving the head, removing hair completely, evoke a sense of dishonor for those subjected to it? Palladius concurred. You are aware that God spoke to the mother of the Jewish people, namely Jerusalem, saying, "Take off your hair, shave your hair, lamenting for your dearly beloved sons; enlarge your baldness like the molting eagle, for they shall be taken from you" (Micah 1:16). Shaving one’s hair signifies disgrace and dishonor, most fittingly assigned to those in mourning. Palladius rightly acknowledged this point. Likewise, a mind stripped of virtuous thoughts becomes essentially bare, shameful, and dishonorable, lacking the attributes that bring about reverence. This applies to individuals lacking discernment, who hold distorted views of God, worshiping stone and offering reverence to creations instead of to their Creator, entertaining corrupt notions, and rejecting authentic and pure faith. They pursue what can only be regarded as futile through ignorance, for they lack a mind enriched by righteous thoughts. Palladius praised this insight.
Hence, let the mind be filled with sound thoughts and aspirations directed toward all that is laudable, being adorned with thoughtful reflection; for such a mind is profoundly wise and can cultivate the illumination received through faith in Christ.