CHAPTER V.
Religious Practices and Ceremonies in General, and on Some in Particular.
1. What do we understand by 'Religious Ceremonies'?'
By Religious Ceremonies we understand certain significant signs or actions, which the Church has established for the celebration of the Divine Service.
2. Why is the instruction on 'Prayer' and the 'Sacramentals' followed here by the explanation of 'Religious Practices and Ceremonies'?
1. Because Religious Ceremonies have been instituted to give praise and glory to God, no less than Prayer itself; and 2. Because they help us to raise our souls to God and to the contemplation of Divine things, and consequently to pray with attention and devotion.
3. How do Ceremonies help us to raise our souls to God and Divine things?
They help us, 1. Because they render the Divine Service more solemn, and thereby hold our attention, and draw it from earthly objects to God; and 2. Because they represent in a visible manner before our eyes mysteries invisible in themselves, and thereby render it easier for us to meditate on them.
4. Are not Ceremonies idle Observances?
Not at all; for, 1. God Himself prescribed, under severe penalties, several kinds of Ceremonies to the Jews; 2. Christ our Lord also used various Ceremonies; and 3. He Himself instituted sacramental signs or Ceremonies.
1. See the Book of Leviticus, 2. For instance, when He healed the man that was deaf and dumb (Mark vii.); when He gave sight to the man born blind (John ix.); when He breathed on His disciples, and imparted to them the Holy Ghost (John xx.). 3. When He instituted the Holy Eucharist, Baptism, etc.
