[drstevej]

While in Rome in 1974 I saw the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs)
Consisting of twenty-eight white marble steps which according to tradition was the staircase leading once to the prætorium of Pilate at Jerusalem. The Catholic Encyclopedia says they were sanctified by the footsteps of Our Lord during his Passion.

I saw an elderly lady on all fours ascending the stairs slowly kissing the steps. I do not know what was in her mind and heart, she certainly looked sincere. I was reminded of another incident many years prior...

"An errand to Rome shook [Luther] further. He did not notice the glories of the Renaissance or the reminders of antiquity: instead, he saw the worldliness and levity of the clergy, both high and low. He climbed the Scala Sancta, 28 stairs, with a Pater Noster and a kiss on each in order to release a soul from purgatory, and at the top he found his faith in the indulgence clouded by doubt."

http://mars.acnet.wnec.edu/~grempel/courses/wc2/lectures/luther...html

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

An errand to Rome shook [Luther] further. He did not notice the glories of the Renaissance or the reminders of antiquity: instead, he saw the worldliness and levity of the clergy, both high and low.

Luther had his own worldliness to worry about:

"As to divorce, it is still a moot question whether it is allowable. For my part, I prefer bigamy." (De Wette, Vol. 2, p. 459)

[Dr. Eckleburg]

A bump for the 29th step.

All "relics" and their veneration are a blasphemy to God.

The Holy Spirit is our only "relic," ever present, ever new, ever faithful.