From “Sacraments: Catholic sign language,” by Jeff Cavins, in the July 3, 2013 issue of The Catholic Spirit
A sacrament is a sacred sign that was instituted by Christ to give grace. As a sign, a sacrament both signifies something real beyond itself and acts as a channel of salvation to the world. One could say that the sacraments speak a “sign language” all their own.
There are seven sacraments divided into three categories, and they touch on all the critical moments of the Christian life:
- Sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and holy Communion.
- Sacraments of healing: reconciliation and anointing of the sick.
- Sacraments of service: holy orders and matrimony.
These seven sacraments offer us an opportunity to receive grace at important stages. From birth to the preparation for death, God meets us and strengthens, heals and equips us to live a fruitful life.
So, what is real beyond the sign of the sacrament? What is real is an encounter with Jesus Christ, the One who instituted the sacraments in the first place. When we participate in any one of the seven sacraments, it is a real encounter with Christ. It isn’t magic; it isn’t imaginary or merely a hope. It is a genuine, interpersonal meeting with the living God.
God desires to have these encounters with us and knows that we need his life on our journey through life and on into heaven. St. Augustine once said, “God thirsts that we might thirst for him.” The sacrament is an efficacious encounter in the midst of thirst.
Read the full article in the July 3, 2013 issue, beginning page 17, in El espíritu católico.
