Introduction to the Sacraments
•Grace: What is it, and what does it do?
• Divine life (CCC 1996-1997, 1999, 2000)
•Free and undeserved gift
•Heal and perfect
•Sanctifying, habitual, actual
•Sacramental (CCC 1129, 2003)
•Sacraments (CCC 1115-6, 1123, 1131; SC 59-61; LG 11)
o Mysterion and Sacramentum
o CCC 1131:
Efficacious signs of grace
•Sign, action, word
• Matter and form
• Grace
• Do what they mean
•Ex opere operato/operantis
• +Wall: “guaranteed encounter with the living Christ”
Instituted by Christ
•Divine origin (Scripture)
•Thus obedience
Entrusted to Church
•Guardian, steward, protector
•Governs admin, not essence
o Thus obedience! No messing around
By which divine life is dispensed
•St. Leo: “What was visible in our Lord’s life has passed into His
mysteries”
o Essentials
Matter
Form
Minister
•In persona Christi capitis
Intention and condition
o Effects/particular graces (CCC 1129, 2003); Character (CCC 1121)
Ways we come in contact with Christ in all stages of life
Application of Paschal Mystery to our lives in all aspects
• Gal. 2:20 lived out
This week’s FORMED.org recommended video: REAL+TRUE