ACTIVITY # 6 Sacraments in General

Re Ed 204: LITURGY AND SACRAMENTS: PARTICIPATING

IN THE DIVINE LIFE

Name: Course & Year:

Datu Michael Jr, B. Sanday
Bssw 2nd year college

INSTRUCTION: Answer the following questions

1. How is the traditional description of sacraments as “sensible signs” modified

today?
In every sacrament there is: An appropriate ceremony, called the matter, and a form of words,
which accompanies the sign or ceremony; and besides, there is the grace conveyed. The sign,
or visible part of the sacrament, not only signifies what is affected in the Sacrament, but effects
what is signified. They are, therefore, practical signs; they may also be termed instruments, and
the graces conveyed through them the effect of those instruments. The signs of the sacraments
are like Our Lord’s humanity, and the graces conveyed like the Godhead concealed beneath
this humanity. The word sacrament (sacramentum) means something holy and also mysterious,
because in early times holy things were hidden from the knowledge of the heathen.
2. How are the expressions “instituted by Christ “and “actions of Christ “understood
today? How is “to give grace” understood today.
The work Jesus did was in accordance with the needs of man in that age. His task was to
redeem humanity, to forgive them their sins, and so His disposition was wholly one of humility,
patience, love, piety, forbearance, mercy, and lovingkindness. He blessed humanity richly and
brought them grace in abundance, and all the things that they could possibly enjoy, He gave
them for their enjoyment: peace and happiness, His tolerance and love, His mercy and
lovingkindness. In those days, all that man encountered was an abundance of things to enjoy:
Their hearts were at peace and reassured, their spirits were consoled, and they were sustained
by the Savior Jesus.
3. What is a current definition of sacrament? What is the purpose of the
sacraments? What are sacramentals?
A sacrament is a Christian rite recognized as of particular importance and significance. There
are various views on the existence and meaning of such rites. Many Christians consider the
sacraments to be a visible symbol of the reality of God, as well as a channel for God's grace.
Many denominations, including the Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Reformed, hold
to the definition of sacrament formulated by Augustine of Hippo: an outward sign of an inward
grace, that has been instituted by Jesus Christ Sacraments signify God's grace in a way that is
outwardly observable to the participant
4. How is Jesus called sacrament of God and sacrament of God’s love? Why?
Jesus is himself the great sacrament of God’s love. Jesus was the fullest revelation possible of
God’s goodness and love. We believe that Jesus is both Son of God and Son of Mary – truly
human and truly divine. In his person, and through his actions, words and gestures Jesus made
God and God’s love present on earth. He was, and is still, for us ‘the image of the unseen
God’(Col:5), the ‘Word made flesh’ who lived among us (John 1) and hence the greatest
sacrament of God.
5. In what way the Church also called sacrament of Christ? What makes it more
challenging for us as Christmas?
The Sacraments are “actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are the
‘masterworks of God’ in the new and everlasting covenant” (Catechism 1116). “The purpose of
the Sacraments,” wrote the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council, “is to sanctify human
beings, to build up the Body of Christ, and, finally, to give worship to God…. They not only
presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it.” In
the Catholic Church there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance
(or Reconciliation), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.