Course 4, Chapter 29: Christianity visible. — Feast of the Circumcision

1. What is the feast of the Circumcision?

The feast of the Circumcision is the day on which our Lord received in his flesh the mark of the children of Abraham?

2. Why was our Lord pleased to submit to this ceremony?

1st, to show that he was truly man, and descended from Abraham and David, according to the prophets; 2d, to show us the respect we must have for the laws of God and the church.

3. What must we do to celebrate well this feast?

We must, 1st, detest sin, which was the cause of the Bufferings of the divine Infant; 2d, have no in ordinate attachment to creatures; 3d, compassionate the Blessed Virgin

4. "What name did the Son of God receive on the day of his Circumcision?

He received the name of Jesus, which signifies Saviour. This name was brought from heaven, and made known to Mary by the angel Gabriel, when he announced to her that she was to be the mother of God. God made it publicly known on the day of the Circumcision, that being the day on which the Jews named their children.

5. How is our Lord our Saviour?

He is our Saviour in every respect. He is the Saviour of our understanding, delivering it from error;

the Saviour of our heart, delivering it from the tyranny o: our passions; the Saviour of our body, abolishing slavery, and the laws which permitted murder, violence and oppression. He has broken the yoke of the devil, expiated sin, re-opened heaven, and given all the graces necessary to arrive there.

6. With what sentiments must we pronounce the name of Jesus?

With sentiments of respect, confidence and love. There is an indulgence for those who bow the head in pronouncing the name of Jesus or on hearing it pronounced.

7. Is the Circumcision an ancient feast?

It is very ancient. It was made a solemn feast in the sixth century; the church wishing to expiate the disorders of the pagans on this day, it being the first day of the new year.

8. . What must we do to enter into the spirit of the church?

We must, 1st, entertain Christian wishes for our brethren and for the whole world, sincerely wishing them a happy new year; that is, happy in the sight of God; 2d, reflect on the shortness of time, and see how our account stands with God.