Obj. 2:  Further, some state that the ceremonial precepts are those which pertain to solemnities; as though they were so called from the cerei (candles) which are lit up on those occasions.  But many other things besides solemnities pertain to the worship of God.  Therefore it does not seem that the ceremonial precepts are so called from their pertaining to the Divine worship.

Obj. 3:  Further, some say that the ceremonial precepts are patterns, i.e. rules, of salvation:  because the Greek chaire is the same as the Latin “salve.”  But all the precepts of the Law are rules of salvation, and not only those that pertain to the worship of God.  Therefore not only those precepts which pertain to Divine worship are called ceremonial.

Obj. 4:  Further, Rabbi Moses says (Doct.  Perplex. iii) that the ceremonial precepts are those for which there is no evident reason.  But there is evident reason for many things pertaining to the worship of God; such as the observance of the Sabbath, the feasts of the Passover and of the Tabernacles, and many other things, the reason for which is set down in the Law.  Therefore the ceremonial precepts are not those which pertain to the worship of God.

On the contrary, It is written (Ex. 18:19, 20):  “Be thou to the people in those things that pertain to God . . . and . . . shew the people the ceremonies and the manner of worshipping.”

I answer that, As stated above (Q. 99, A. 4), the ceremonial precepts are determinations of the moral precepts whereby man is directed to God, just as the judicial precepts are determinations of the moral precepts whereby he is directed to his neighbor.  Now man is directed to God by the worship due to Him.  Wherefore those precepts are properly called ceremonial, which pertain to the Divine worship.  The reason for their being so called was given above (Q. 99, A. 3), when we established the distinction between the ceremonial and the other precepts.

Reply Obj. 1:  The Divine worship includes not only sacrifices and the like, which seem to be directed to God immediately, but also those things whereby His worshippers are duly prepared to worship Him:  thus too in other matters, whatever is preparatory to the end comes under the science whose object is the end.  Accordingly those precepts of the Law which regard the clothing and food of God’s worshippers, and other such matters, pertain to a certain preparation of the ministers, with the view of fitting them for the Divine worship:  just as those who administer to a king make use of certain special observances.  Consequently such are contained under the ceremonial precepts.

Reply Obj. 2:  The alleged explanation of the name does not seem very probable:  especially as the Law does not contain many instances of the lighting of candles in solemnities; since, even the lamps of the Candlestick were furnished with “oil of olives,” as stated in Lev. 24:2.  Nevertheless we may say that all things pertaining to the Divine worship were more carefully observed on solemn festivals:  so that all ceremonial precepts may be included under the observance of solemnities.