"Priests are modern Pharisees!"
“Why do priests wear all the garb? Jesus calls people to be humble, and they wear gold, and do what pharisees do!"
1. Biblical Roots of Priestly Garments
Did you know that priestly garments are not a Catholic invention? They have deep roots in biblical tradition, going all the way back to the Old Testament. God Himself commanded priestly vestments to be made for Aaron and his sons in Exodus 28:2-4:
“And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty… These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash.”
Notice the purpose of these garments: “for glory and for beauty.” If God commanded His priests to wear garments that were beautiful and adorned, could it be that such outward signs served a purpose greater than personal pride?
Question to Consider:
If God was concerned with the priests in the Old Testament wearing garments for worship that were distinct and beautiful, why would this principle not carry forward in the New Testament, where worship fulfills and perfects the old covenant?
2. The Purpose of the Garments
Priestly garments are not meant to elevate the man wearing them but to symbolize something far greater: the holiness of God and the sacred nature of worship. In fact, Catholic priests do not choose these garments to highlight themselves but to disappear behind them. The garments represent their role as standing “in persona Christi” (in the person of Christ) during the liturgy.
Think about a judge in a courtroom wearing a robe. The robe doesn’t say, “Look at me,” but rather, “I represent the law and order of this court.” Similarly, the vestments signify the priest’s role as a servant of God, acting on behalf of the Church.
Question to Consider:
If priests wear garments not to glorify themselves but to draw attention to God’s holiness, could this be similar to the way prophets and priests in the Bible reflected God’s glory through external signs? And why are you okay with a common judge wearing one but not the one who stands in for Christ on earth?
3. Gold and Humility: A False Dichotomy?
You mentioned gold, and this is a valid observation. But let’s look at Scripture again. God specifically instructed that gold, fine linens, and precious stones be used in the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 25-27) and the Temple of Solomon (1 Kings 6:21-22). These weren’t displays of human pride but were used to reflect the glory, majesty, and beauty of God.
Jesus Himself criticized the Pharisees not for their robes but for their hypocrisy and pride (Matthew 23:5). The issue wasn’t the outward signs but the lack of inward humility. Priestly vestments are meant to reflect God’s glory, not personal pride.
Question to Consider:
If God commanded the use of gold and fine garments in the worship of the Old Testament, could it be that such beauty in the New Testament serves the same purpose—to honor God rather than the individual?
[I want to note, it was at this point in the conversation that they said “Ahh, see the Catholic Church is so worried about what you can touch, smell, and see!” And I replied: “thank you for making the case for catholicism, that we use all the senses that God has ordained us with”]
4. Humility in Action, Not Just Appearance
Finally, it’s important to remember that humility is not about avoiding outward beauty—it’s about the interior disposition of the heart. A priest’s humility is shown in how he serves his parish, lays down his life for his flock, and represents Christ to the world. The garments don’t contradict humility; they amplify the sacred nature of what he is called to do.
Question to Consider:
Is it possible to express humility in how we live, serve, and worship, even if the worship involves outward signs of beauty and splendor to honor God?
The Changing Garments of Priests: Reflecting the Liturgical Seasons
Priestly garments, known as vestments, change throughout the liturgical year to reflect the different seasons and celebrations within the Church. These changes are deeply symbolic, helping worshippers engage more fully with the mysteries of the faith. Here’s a quick guide to how the colors and types of garments shift based on the liturgical calendar:
1. Advent (Purple or Violet)
During Advent, the season of preparation for Christmas, priests wear purple or violet vestments. This color signifies penance, preparation, and anticipation. It reminds the faithful of the need to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ, both in the Nativity and at the end of time.
• Exception: On the third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday), rose-colored vestments may be worn, symbolizing joy as the faithful approach the celebration of Christ’s birth.
2. Christmas and Easter (White or Gold)
For the joyful seasons of Christmas and Easter, priests wear white or gold vestments. These colors signify purity, light, and the glory of Christ’s victory over sin and death.
• These garments reflect the celebratory nature of Christ’s birth (Christmas) and His resurrection (Easter), drawing attention to the hope and joy these seasons bring.
3. Ordinary Time (Green)
Green is used during Ordinary Time, the season between major liturgical events like Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter. Green symbolizes growth, life, and hope. It reflects the ongoing journey of faith and spiritual growth in the daily lives of believers.
4. Lent (Purple or Violet)
Similar to Advent, Lent uses purple or violet vestments to signify penance and preparation. However, Lent focuses more heavily on repentance and self-denial as the faithful prepare for the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.
• Exception: On the fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday), rose-colored vestments may be worn, offering a glimpse of the joy to come at Easter.
5. Good Friday (Red or Black)
On Good Friday, red vestments may be worn to represent the blood of Christ shed for humanity. In some traditions, black may be used to signify mourning and solemnity as the Church commemorates Christ’s crucifixion.
6. Pentecost and Martyrs’ Feasts (Red)
Red is also worn on Pentecost and the feasts of martyrs. It symbolizes the fire of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) and the blood of martyrs who gave their lives for the faith.
7. Feasts of Mary, Angels, and Saints (White or Blue)
On Marian feasts, such as the Immaculate Conception or the Assumption, priests wear white vestments, sometimes accented with blue to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. White is also used for the feasts of angels and non-martyr saints, symbolizing their purity and glory in heaven.
8. Funerals (White, Black, or Purple)
For funerals, the Church allows white, black, or purple vestments, depending on local customs and the tone of the service.
• White reflects hope in the resurrection.
• Black symbolizes mourning and sorrow.
• Purple emphasizes prayer and penance for the deceased.
Why the Changes Matter
These liturgical colors and garments serve as visual reminders of the Church’s journey through the life of Christ, the seasons of preparation and celebration, and the eternal hope of heaven. They help the faithful engage with the liturgy more deeply, drawing attention to the sacred mysteries celebrated throughout the year.
The changing garments, much like the liturgical calendar, invite us to enter into the rhythm of the faith—mourning, rejoicing, and growing in anticipation of eternal life with Christ.