What Is Sacrament
THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS
I. Objectives
1. To emphasize the importance of the reception of the seven sacraments to Christian life.
2. To state clearly the definition of the “sacrament”.
3. To realize that the sacraments are symbols of the Church faith and love.
4. To see that in Christ, God’s loving-kindness becomes visible in a great sign, and this love is continued in the Church and celebrated by the people of God in the sacraments. II. Content
A. Traditional Definition of Sacrament.
According to the Traditional Catholic Definition contained in the different catechism books, Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.
B. Essential Elements of Sacraments according to this definition.
1. Sacrament is a sign. It is a visible (outward) sign that puts us into contact with our Lord. The seven ritual sacraments are particular signs that represent particular actions and values of Jesus Christ. These signs re-enact and represents what has taken place in the past. For example, the Eucharist is a symbolic re-enactment of the Last Supper, which is also sacramental and real. Baptism represents conversion and death to sin.
2. Sacrament was instituted by Christ. They are ultimately traceable to Jesus. The seven sacraments highlight the Paschal Mystery, the message of Jesus, the meaning of Jesus. They help us remember what Jesus Christ has done for us, and they enable us to celebrate his glorious deeds today.
3. Sacrament gives grace. One danger in using the term grace is to think of it as something, rather than a living relationship with God. Very simply put, Jesus is grace. Grace is the gift of God’s constant love for us. Grace is God’s free invitation for us to live in union with Him.
C. St. Paul’s Definitions
Like love, there is no standard definition of what sacraments are. A good number of theologians have given their own definitions that gave rise to a diverse manner of understanding them. There are some popular
I. Objectives
1. To emphasize the importance of the reception of the seven sacraments to Christian life.
2. To state clearly the definition of the “sacrament”.
3. To realize that the sacraments are symbols of the Church faith and love.
4. To see that in Christ, God’s loving-kindness becomes visible in a great sign, and this love is continued in the Church and celebrated by the people of God in the sacraments. II. Content
A. Traditional Definition of Sacrament.
According to the Traditional Catholic Definition contained in the different catechism books, Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.
B. Essential Elements of Sacraments according to this definition.
1. Sacrament is a sign. It is a visible (outward) sign that puts us into contact with our Lord. The seven ritual sacraments are particular signs that represent particular actions and values of Jesus Christ. These signs re-enact and represents what has taken place in the past. For example, the Eucharist is a symbolic re-enactment of the Last Supper, which is also sacramental and real. Baptism represents conversion and death to sin.
2. Sacrament was instituted by Christ. They are ultimately traceable to Jesus. The seven sacraments highlight the Paschal Mystery, the message of Jesus, the meaning of Jesus. They help us remember what Jesus Christ has done for us, and they enable us to celebrate his glorious deeds today.
3. Sacrament gives grace. One danger in using the term grace is to think of it as something, rather than a living relationship with God. Very simply put, Jesus is grace. Grace is the gift of God’s constant love for us. Grace is God’s free invitation for us to live in union with Him.
C. St. Paul’s Definitions
Like love, there is no standard definition of what sacraments are. A good number of theologians have given their own definitions that gave rise to a diverse manner of understanding them. There are some popular