|
Objection 1: It seems that this sacrament should not be given to man
on the forehead. For this sacrament perfects Baptism, as stated
above (Question 65, Articles 3,4). But the sacrament of
Baptism is given to man over his whole body. Therefore this sacrament
should not be given on the forehead only.
Objection 2: Further, this sacrament is given for spiritual
strength, as stated above (Articles 1,2,4). But spiritual
strength is situated principally in the heart. Therefore this
sacrament should be given over the heart rather than on the forehead.
Objection 3: Further, this sacrament is given to man that he may
freely confess the faith of Christ. But "with the mouth, confession
is made unto salvation," according to Rm. 10:10. Therefore
this sacrament should be given about the mouth rather than on the
forehead.
On the contrary, Rabanus says (De Instit. Cleric. i): "The
baptized is signed by the priest with chrism on the top of the head,
but by the bishop on the forehead."
I answer that, As stated above (Articles 1,4), in this
sacrament man receives the Holy Ghost for strength in the spiritual
combat, that he may bravely confess the Faith of Christ even in face
of the enemies of that Faith. Wherefore he is fittingly signed with
the sign of the cross on the forehead, with chrism, for two reasons.
First, because he is signed with the sign of the cross, as a soldier
with the sign of his leader, which should be evident and manifest.
Now, the forehead, which is hardly ever covered, is the most
conspicuous part of the human body. Wherefore the confirmed is
anointed with chrism on the forehead, that he may show publicly that he
is a Christian: thus too the apostles after receiving the Holy Ghost
showed themselves in public, whereas before they remained hidden in the
upper room.
Secondly, because man is hindered from freely confessing Christ's
name, by two things---by fear and by shame. Now both these things
betray themselves principally on the forehead on account of the
proximity of the imagination, and because the (vital) spirits mount
directly from the heart to the forehead: hence "those who are
ashamed, blush, and those who are afraid, pale" (Ethic. iv).
And therefore man is signed with chrism, that neither fear nor shame
may hinder him from confessing the name of Christ.
Reply to Objection 1: By baptism we are regenerated unto spiritual
life, which belongs to the whole man. But in Confirmation we are
strengthened for the combat; the sign of which should be borne on the
forehead, as in a conspicuous place.
Reply to Objection 2: The principle of fortitude is in the heart,
but its sign appears on the forehead: wherefore it is written
(Ezech. 3:8): "Behold I have made . . . thy forehead
harder than their foreheads." Hence the sacrament of the Eucharist,
whereby man is confirmed in himself, belongs to the heart, according
to Ps. 103:15: "That bread may strengthen man's heart."
But the sacrament of Confirmation is required as a sign of fortitude
against others; and for this reason it is given on the forehead.
Reply to Objection 3: This sacrament is given that we may confess
freely: but not that we may confess simply, for this is also the
effect of Baptism. And therefore it should not be given on the
mouth, but on the forehead, where appear the signs of those passions
which hinder free confession.
|
|