THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. It is also noted that both corpses and pure animals are deemed unclean, and it is stated that anyone who comes into contact with them will become defiled. It is written, "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 signifies, in my understanding, the necessity of avoiding association with one who, although identified as a brother, continues in fornication, licentiousness, idolatry, wrongdoing, drunkenness, or gluttony; with such a person, it is inappropriate even to share a meal (1 Cor. 5:11).
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This implies that if any individual recognized as righteous, who has been spiritually renewed and welcomed through faith, becomes entangled in the spiritual death that arises from sin, he is declared "unclean" as noted, and thus is cast aside; for anyone contaminated by dead works inevitably brings corruption to those who align with him. However, if a person finds himself defiled, he should seek purification with water at twilight; the previous discourse has illuminated what this entails. Notice that both the one who eats the flesh of the dead and the one who touches them are regarded as impure by the law, neither absolving the participant in their deadness from corruption nor deeming the one who approaches them innocent: we must remain vigilant not only to abstain from the sinful acts of the wicked but also from communion with them; for "Whosoever toucheth pitch shall be defiled," as stated (Sir. 13:1); and this proclamation holds true. Moreover, the law purposefully selects examples to illustrate moral conduct, which is further affirmed in the subsequent commandments: "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 potential contamination could the dying of an animal or touching of a corpse inflict upon the human spirit? What detriment could be caused by food "in the belly contained and expelled" as mentioned by the Saviour (Matt. 15:17)? Palladius. I believe there is none; you are correct in your thoughts.