Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Deut 11, 14 I will give the seasonal rain to your land

Deuteronomy 11 (chosen pages)

(Deut 11, 14) I will give the seasonal rain to your land

[14] I will give the seasonal rain to your land, the early rain and the late rain, that you may have your grain, wine and oil to gather in;

(CCC 1293) In treating the rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to consider the sign of anointing and what it signifies and imprints: a spiritual seal. Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning: oil is a sign of abundance and joy (Cf. Deut 11:14; Pss 23:5; 104:15); it cleanses (anointing before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers); oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds (Cf. Isa 1:6; Lk 10:34); and it makes radiant with beauty, health, and strength.

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