Cyril
of Alexandria
(on Luke 15:1-10)
God sent not his son
into the world, to judge the world, as the Son tells us, but that the world may
be saved by him (John 3:17).
But how could the
world be saved, caught as it was in the net of sin? By exacting
punishment of it?
No, rather, by showing
it kindness, so that, God being merciful and forbearing, man’s past sins were
forgotten, and those who had not been living worthily began a purer way of
life?
Why then, tell me, O
Pharisee, do you murmur because Christ does not disdain to consort with
publicans and sinners, prudently preparing the way for their
conversion? It was for this He emptied himself, and
became like to us.
[...] The race of
man wandered upon the face of the earth; it had slipped away from the hand of
the Supreme Shepherd.
Because of this He
came to us Who feeds His heavenly flocks above, that He might lead us also into
His fold, that He might unite us to those who had not wandered, that He might
drive away the wild beast that works evil, and frustrate the unholy robber band
of the unclean spirits of evil.
He came therefore
seeking the one that was lost…. And now reflect together with me, Beloved,
upon the extent of the Kingdom of our Saviour, and upon the wondrous wisdom of
His divine purposes.
For, He says, the
number of the sheep is a hundred; here referring to the full and perfect number
of the rational beings subject to Him. The number hundred is ever the perfect
number, made up often decades.
From the inspired
Scripture we learn that a thousand thousands minister to Him, and ten thousand
times a hundred thousand surround His throne (Dan. 7:10).
A hundred therefore is
the number of His sheep, of whom one wandered from the flock, namely, the race
of men, and for which the Supreme Pastor of all goes searching, leaving the
rest, that is, the remaining ninety-nine, in the desert; that is, in a remote
and lofty place that is full of peace.
Was He then neglecting
the greater number, and concerned only for this one? He was far from neglecting
them. How is this? Because they remain in total security, sheltered
within the right hand of the Almighty.
But it was becoming
that He should have compassion on the one that was lost, in order that nothing
might appear wanting to the remaining multitude: for when this one was brought
back He had then once more a hundred, the perfect number.
The parable which
follows has the same meaning, that of the woman who had ten pieces of silver,
and who we are told lost one, and who thereupon lit a lamp, greatly rejoicing
when she finds the piece of silver.
[...] In
the second parable, in which the thing lost is compared to a piece of silver,
of which there were ten, that is, a perfect number, or one which makes a
complete total…, we are shown clearly that we have been created in conformity
with a royal image and likeness, that, namely, of the Most High God.
For
the drachma, the piece of silver, is a coin upon which is stamped a royal
image. Who is there doubts that we had fallen and were lost, and that we
have been found by Christ, and through His grace, and a just way of life, have
been again made like unto Him?
Of
this the Blessed Paul writes: But we all beholding the glory of the
Lord with open face are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as
by the spirit of the Lord (2 Cor. 3:18).
In
his Epistle to the Galatians he also writes: My little children, of
whom I am in labour again, until Christ be formed in you (4:19).
The
woman lighting a lamp, a search was made for the thing that was lost. For
we were found by the Wisdom of God the Father, Which is His Son, kindling again
in us the light of the divine and rational Day Star, when the Sun of Justice
rose, and the day dawned, as it is written (2 Pet. 1:19).
And
elsewhere God through one of the holy prophets says of Christ the Saviour of
all men: Speedily my justice draws near, and soon my mercy shall be
made known, and my salvation as a lamp shall be lit (Isaiah 62:1 LXX).
Of
Himself He says: I am the Light of the world. And
again: I am come a light into the world, He that followeth me walketh
not in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12; 12:46).
Therefore
was it in the Light that that which was lost was saved; and this has filled the
heavenly powers with joy. For they rejoice even over one sinner doing
penance, as He teaches us Who knows all things.
And
if these heavenly beings, ever seeking the fulfilling of the divine will, and
given to the unending praise of the most tender divine compassion, rejoice over
one sinner saved, what are we to say of their joy at the salvation of the whole
world, called to the knowledge of truth, through faith in Christ?
Cyril of Alexandria
(c. 376-444): Commentary on St
Luke’s Gospel, ch. 15:1-10,Translated by M.F. Toale, D.D. @ Lectionary Central.
