Choose a topic from Part 2A:
1. The ceremonial precepts of the Old Law were divinelydetermined ways of giving God proper external worship. Now, theduty of worshiping God, outwardly as well as interiorly, rests onman as a moral obligation. Hence, the ceremonial precepts weredeterminate applications of the moral law.
2. The fullness of revelation had not been made when theOld Law was promulgated. Hence, it was fitting that the ceremoniesprescribed in the Old Law should look forward to that fullness:they should have a figurative and prophetic meaning; they shouldprophetically refer to Christ and His Church and the way to heavenopened by the Christian dispensation. And so indeed they do.
3. The Old Law had many ceremonial precepts to instructand guide the people, and to counteract their tendency toidolatry.
4. The ceremonies of the Old Law may be classified underfour heads: sacrifices; sacred things (tabernacles, vessels,instruments of worship); purifying preparations for divine worship(sometimes called consecrations or sacraments); and observanceswith reference to special food, vestments, actions, etc.
"God gives us some things, as the beginning of faith, even when we do not pray. Other things, such as perseverance, he has only provided for those who pray."
St Augustine
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"Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God."
Thomas á Kempis
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"The one thing necessary which Jesus spoke of to Martha and Mary consists in hearing the word of God and living by it."
R. Garrigou-Lagrange, OP
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