The physical elements and action of the sacrament. / Form-
The words that accompany the elements/action. / Immediate
Effect-
the spiritual reality that is immediately produced by the sacramental rite. / Sacramental
Grace-
the grace for deeper union w/ God, only received if properly disposed.
Baptism / Water / “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” / Sacramental Character/
Indelible
Mark / 1. Divine Life as a child of God.
2. Member of the Church.
3. Grace to live in a manner worthy of this dignity.
Confirmation / Sacred Chrism / “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” / Sacramental Character/
Indelible
Mark / Gift of the H.S. to bear courageous witness to Christ.
Eucharist / Bread made from wheat.
Wine made from grapes. / The words of institution... / The body and blood of Christ / Spiritual nourishment enabling one to live in closer union with Christ and others.
Reconciliation / Contrition/
Confession/
Penance / “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” / Reconciliation with God and the Church. / 1.Restores relationship with God and the Church
2.Grace to overcome sin in one’s life.
Anointing of the Sick / Oil of the Sick / “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit…” / Commendation of the sick person to the mercy of God. / Grace of the H.S. that brings comfort, strength, and healing in times of sickness.
Holy Orders / Imposition of hands upon the head of the individual to be ordained / The Prayer of Ordination / Sacramental Character/
Indelible
Mark / The grace to live the life and carry out in a holy manner the duties of a deacon, priest, or bishop.
Matrimony / Mutual offer of each party to the other. / Mutual acceptance of each one by the other. / The Marriage Bond / The divine help to love and care for one’s spouse and children as Christ loved and cared for the Church.
The Incarnational Principle:
- From God’s perspective: The invisible God reveals himself through visible things.
- From our perspective: Human persons come to know the invisible God through His visible creation.
- Examples: Creation and Jesus (The Word became flesh)
The Sacramental Principle:
- From God’s perspective: The invisible, holy God uses material elements to sanctify bodily creatures.
- From our perspective: We receive God’s spiritual grace through material realities which we perceive with our senses.
- Examples: Jesus ministry: external rituals to heal the sick, he touched them, laid his hands on them, he spoke a word, he gave his disciples the power to heal through anointing the sick with oil, used saliva, etc.
How do we know if it was Jesus’ intention to have the sacraments?
- Those closest to Jesus (ie., his apostles) best knew His intention. Thus, the practice of the early disciples, and of those close to his disciples, is the best guide to Jesus intention.