113. David was thinking of this purpose in
his breast when he said: “For I will pass into the place of
the marvellous tabernacle, even to the house of God, with the voice of
exultation and thanksgiving, the sound of one that
feasts.” Ps. xlii. [xli.]
4 [LXX.]. For not
only are enemies overcome by the sound of these trumpets; but without
them there could not be rejoicings, and festivals or new moons.
For no one, unless he have received the promises of the Divine Word,
and believes the message derived therefrom, can keep festivals or new
moons, in which he desires to fill himself, freed from bodily pleasure
and secular occupation, with the light of Christ. And sacrifices
themselves cannot be pleasing to Christ unless confession of the mouth
accompanies them, which according to custom stirs up the people to
implore the grace of God at the priestly oblation.