Choose a topic from Part 3a:

70. Circumcision

1. The rite of circumcision in the Old Law was apreparation for baptism, and a figure of baptism. For it was aproclamation of faith by which a man was aggregated to the body ofthe faithful.

2. Circumcision was instituted in the person of Abrahamwho was the first to receive the promise of the birth of Christ asof his seed or line (Gen. 22:18), and was the first to segregatehimself from unbelievers.

3. Circumcision was established as a sign of faith; it wasa work of the all-wise God.

4. Circumcision remitted original sin and conferred graceas a sign of faith in Christ's coming Passion. Baptism confersgrace by the power of the sacrament itself as the instrument ofChrist's accomplished Passion.

"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

* * *

"As the flesh is nourished by food, so is man supported by prayers"
St Augustine

* * *

"A tree that is cultivated and guarded through the care of its owner produces its fruit at the expected time. "
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

* * *