The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

THE USE OF RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES. 369The Apostle St. James directs that if any man issick, he shall call in the Priest, who will anoint himwith oil. 1Now are not all hese acts which I have just recorded,the prostration and procession, the prayerful invocation, the chanting of a hymn, the touchingof the ears, the lifting up of the eyes to heaven, thebreathing on the Apostles, the laying on of hands,and the unction of the sick, are not all these actsso many ceremonies serving as models to those whichthe Catholic Church employs in her public worship,and in the administration of her sacraments ?The ceremonies now accompanying our publicworship are, indeed, usually more gorgeous andelaborate than those recorded of our Saviour ;butit is quite natural that the majesty of ceremonialshould keep pace with the growth and developmentof Christianity.But where shall we find a ritual so gorgeous asthat presented to us in the Book of Revelation?Angels with golden censers stand before the throne,while elders cast their crowns of gold before theLamb once slain. Then that unnumbered multitudeof all nations, tongues, and people, clothed in whiteraiment, bearing palms of victory. Virgins, too,with harp and canticle, follow near the Lamb, singing the new song which 2they alone can utter.How glorious the pageant!How elaborate indetail !1J ames v.*Apocalypse, passim.