THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. It is also stated that both the deceased and clean animals are deemed impure; furthermore, it is noted that touching them may render one unclean. The scripture 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, in my view, that we should avoid fellowship with those who, despite being called brothers, continue to engage in fornication, licentiousness, idolatry, wrongdoing, drunkenness, or gluttony; indeed, we should not even share a meal with such individuals (1 Cor. 5:11).
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Thus, if any among those who are esteemed as upright—those who have already been purified and welcomed into spiritual communion through faith—becomes ensnared by the death that sin brings, he is considered ‘unclean,’ as stated, and is cast aside; for anyone tainted by dead works inevitably contaminates those who associate with him. However, if a person becomes defiled, he may cleanse himself with water by evening; the earlier discussion has provided clarity on this point.
Take heed that both the one who consumes the carcass and the one who touches it are regarded as unclean by the law, which does not absolve the participant in their decay, nor does it declare innocent those who approach them. We must remain watchful not only to refrain from the misdeeds of the ungodly but also to avoid communion with them; “Whosoever toucheth pitch shall be defiled,” as it is written (Sir. 13:1), and this truth stands firm. The law selects pertinent examples to convey the nature of moral conduct, as is evident from what follows: “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 possible defilement of the human soul could arise from the death of an animal or from touching a corpse? What harm could be caused by food that is “in the belly contained and cast out,” as the Savior indicated (Matt. 15:17)? Palladius. I think it could do none; your reasoning is sound.