Numbers — Chapter 19

The red heifer without blemish, on which no yoke has come; the red colour symbolises sin — \"sins are as scarlet\" — for this heifer was offered as a sin-offering on behalf of the whole people.

The ashes of the heifer mixed with running water make the water of purification (aqua lustrationis); those defiled by contact with the dead are purified; contact with a corpse signifies contact with mortal sin, the death of the soul.

Whoever touches a dead body is unclean seven days; he must be sprinkled on the third and seventh day; otherwise he shall not be purified. Type of the sinner's need for sacramental cleansing after the death of grace.