2. Because her prayer is always united with the prayer of Jesus and His Saints.
8. What does the Church usually pray for when she consecrates or blesses?
She prays for the averting of the judgments of God, for protection against the devil, for peace, blessing, well-being of the soul and body, etc.
That the Church should use symbolical signs, especially the Sign of the Cross, and blessed things, as Holy Water, Holy Oils, Agnus Dei's, Palms, etc., in imparting her blessing and the fruits of her prayer, ought not to surprise us more than that God, both in the Old and New Testament, was pleased to distribute His graces and blessings to the people by means of various signs and things (see Num. xxi. 9; Tob. vi. 8 and 11; 4 Kings V. and xiii.; Mark vi. 13, etc.).
9. How should we use Holy Water?
A pious Christian sprinkles himself with Holy Water not only when he enters or leaves the Church, but also in his house, when rising and going to bed, when going out and returning, and on many other occasions; and, at the same time, he begs of God that, through the Blood of Jesus Christ, he may be more and more purified, and be protected in all dangers of soul and body.
10. Why are the people sprinkled with Holy Water before High Mass?
Because we should be pure and holy when we appear in the presence of God, and pray to Him.
Application. Beware of being indifferent to the prayers and blessings of the Church, but respect and esteem them, and use all things blessed by the Church, especially Holy Water, with due reverence and devotion.
