The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

382 THE FAITH OF OUB, FATHERS.are bestowed upon Him as a mark of our affection!just as a father joyfully receives from his child apresent bought with his own means. Our Saviourgratefully accepted the treasures of the Magi, thoughhe could have done without such gifts.Some persons, when they see our sanctuary sumptuouslydecorated, will exclaim : Hadit not been better togive to the poor the money spent in purchasingthese things? So complained Judas (though caring1not for the poor when ) Mary poured from analabaster vase the precious ointment on the feetof an approving Saviour. Why should not weimitate Mary, by placing at His feet, around Hissanctuary, our vases with their chaste and fragrantflowers, that the Church may be filled with theirperfume, as Simon s house was filled with the odorof the ointment?Does not the Almighty at certain seasons adornwith lilies and flowers of every hue this earth, whichis the great temple of nature ? And what is moreappropriate than that we should on special occasionsembellish our sanctuary, the place which He haschosen for His habitation among us ?It is sweet tosnatch from the field its fairest treasures wherewith tobeautify the temple made with hands.The sacred vestments which you saw worn by theofficiating priest, must have struck you as very antique and out of fashion. Nor is this surprising;for if you saw a lady enter church, to-day, with a1John xii. 6.