The Sacraments, Part 2

(Plain Text Version)

In the previous edition, we looked at what the sacraments do for us.  Today, we will see why the sacraments are different from other Christian devotions. 

What the Sacraments Are

The sacraments are actions which can be seen or heard and give grace when carried out according to Christ’s instructions. 

For example, in Baptism, pouring of water or immersion in water is accompanied with the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”  The use of water is a sign of the cleansing of the soul. 

Baptism produces its many wonderful effects, even if administered on an unconscious person by a non-believer.  (In this case it is necessary that the recipient would have wanted to be baptized).  This extreme example shows us that the grace comes from following the ritual correctly. 

Good Things Which Aren’t Sacraments

The Baptism of John (see Mark 1:1-5) was certainly beneficial, even life-changing for many people.  John’s baptism was an example of a long-standing Jewish practice.  However, it was not a sacrament because it wasn’t instituted by Christ during His visible life on earth.

Making the Sign of the Cross expresses our bond with Our Savior and brings grace.  It is not a sacrament because its benefit does not come from the performance of a ritual.

Why We Need Sacraments

God certainly could have given His grace to us without the visible rituals of the sacraments.  He gives us the sacraments so that we can take an active part in our spiritual lives.  God wants us to prepare to receive grace, to receive grace by performing specific actions, and to be aware that the grace-filled encounter has taken place.

In a word, the sacraments are visible signs of the invisible work of God.

Vocabulary

Sacrament: a visible sign instituted by Christ which delivers the grace it signifies.

Disposition: Our readiness to receive grace.  To receive the grace of a sacrament, we must desire it and prepare ourselves for the encounter with God. 

Sign: Something visible which demonstrates something invisible.

Ritual: Words and actions carried out according to written directions. 

Many thanks to:

Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Pocket Catholic Catechism, 1989, Doubleday

Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Modern Catholic Dictionary, 2001, Eternal Life

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