THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. It is noted that both the deceased and clean animals are regarded as unclean, with the additional observation that touching them can bring defilement. It states, “And when any cattle dies which you use for food, he that touches its dead body shall be unclean until evening; and he that eats its dead meat shall wash his clothes, and shall be unclean until evening; and he that carries its dead body shall wash his clothes, and shall be unclean until evening” (Lev. 11:39-40). This implies, I believe, that one should refrain from associating with a brother who remains a fornicator, a licentious individual, an idolater, an evildoer, a drunkard, or one who indulges in unclean practices; one should not even share a meal with such a person (1 Cor. 5:11).
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This means that if someone who is identified as genuinely honest and has been spiritually purified through faith engages with the spiritual death that comes from sin, he is deemed ‘unclean,’ as stated in scripture, and thus rejected; for anyone tainted by dead works inevitably pollutes those who are in close relationship with him. Yet, if any man finds himself defiled, he may be cleansed with water by evening; and the previous discourse enlightens us about the implications of this. Notice that both the one who eats their dead and the one who touches them are declared unclean by the law, which does not absolve the partaker from vice and guilt nor consider innocent those who draw near to them: we ought to be careful not only to avoid engaging in sinful acts but also to refrain from fellowship with them; for “Whosoever toucheth pitch shall be defiled,” as it is stated (Sir. 13:1), and this saying holds true. The law has chosen pertinent examples to illustrate the nature of morality, which can be seen in what follows; for it also states, “Ye shall not defile your souls with any creeping animal, nor make yourselves unclean by them, that ye may be unclean by them: for I am the Lord your God” (Lev. 11:43-44). What kind of pollution could the death of an animal and the act of touching the deceased cause to the human soul? What damage could result from food that, once consumed, is expelled, as the Savior indicated (Matt. 15:17)? Palladius. I think none; you are correct in your thoughts.