(priests and kings), as well as things, which were dedicated to the service of God, were anointed with oil. Under the New Law, Jesus Christ has made oil to be a great means of grace in the holy Sacraments of Confirmation, Extreme Unction and Holy Orders. The holy oils are blessed on Maundy Thursday.
Application. Jacob had a great reverence for the place where God had appeared to him. Our churches are still holier places, and yet you often behave irreverently in church; your thoughts wander, you look about you, and you even laugh and talk! Examine your conscience on this point, and make resolutions of amendment. “The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him!” (Hab. 2, 20.) Each time you enter a church, say to yourself: “This is the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”
Are you as diligent as Jacob was? Do you learn your lessons, and especially your catechism, diligently? Are you willing to help your parents, or your brothers and sisters, in their work? Resolve to overcome slothfulness, and to fulfil your duties faithfully for the love of God.
Chapter XVII.
JACOB RETURNS HOME, AND IS RECONCILED WITH HIS BROTHER.
[Gen. 31— 35 ]
WHEN Laban saw that Jacob had become very rich, he began to envy him, and ceased to regard him with favour. Then God said to Jacob: “Return into the land of thy fathers[1]. I will be with thee.”[2] Jacob rose up without delay, and set out with his family and all he possessed. He had reached the banks of the river Jordan when he began to fear on account of his brother. He sent messengers before him to say to Esau: “Let me find favour[3] in thy sight!” The messengers returned, saying to Jacob: “Esau cometh with speed to meet thee, with four hundred men.” Then Jacob was sore afraid[4], and he thus prayed:
- ↑ Thy fathers. To the land of Chanaan where his grandfather Abraham had lived, and where his father Isaac still lived.
- ↑ Be with thee . I will protect thee. God said this, because Jacob was still in fear of the fury of Esau.
- ↑ Find favour. Act not as an enemy to me, but forgive me the wrong I did you.
- ↑ Sore afraid. Jacob had every reason to be afraid that Esau was coming at the head of four hundred men to take him prisoner, or kill him.
