At the time of Jesus, Jews wore a kind of cloak, called a tallith as an outer garment around an inner garment that was like a robe. The inner garment went down to the feet, while the tallith went down to a handsbreadth above the bottom of the inner garment. From each of the four corners of the tallith hung tassels called tsitsit. These tsitsit were wound and tied in a series of knots to remind one of the commandments.
A prophecy in Malachi stated that when the Sun of Righteousness (Messiah) arose, there would be healing in his wings (same Hebrew word as corners.)
So, the woman with the issue of blood reached out to touch Jesus' tallith expecting to obtain healing, which she did. According to the gospels many others were healed in this manner.
Today, the tallith is a kind of ritual "prayer shawl" used by Jews in the synagogue. It merely hangs over the shoulders, and does not go down to just above the feet.
Are there any RC vestments used in mass that are similar to Jesus' tallith?
hpj0828 wrote: Are there any RC vestments used in mass that are similar to Jesus' tallith?
As you describe it, it sounds quite similar to the alb and stole worn by priests and deacons. The alb is a white garment which covers the entire body, and the stole is quite similar to the prayer shawl. Priests also use a garment called a cope which is a long shawl that extends beyond the arms and is used to grasp the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament for benediction, and in the carrying of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repository on Holy Thursday.
Priests also wear an outer garment called a chasuble over the alb and stole. It is my understanding the chasuble is based on Roman judicial robes and represent the authority given to priests as civil magistrates in the Roman empire after the legalization of Christianity.
____________________ Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
