Saints LightWhat Is a Sacrament?
A sacrament is a sign Christ gave us that really does what it shows, because Christ himself acts in it. It does not depend on how holy the priest is, but it bears fruit in us when we receive it with faith.
What this lesson teaches
- A sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, that truly gives grace.
- Each sacrament has matter (the thing or action), form (the words) and a minister who intends what the Church intends.
- Ex opere operato means Christ acts in the sacrament, so it does not depend on the holiness of the minister.
- The grace is truly given, but it bears fruit in us through faith and a willing heart.
Catechism paragraphs this lesson cites
- CCC 1113
- CCC 1121
- CCC 1127-1128
- CCC 1131
- CCC 1210-1211
CCC means the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Saints Light teaches it in its own words and never quotes it. Look up any paragraph in a printed copy or at vatican.va. See every lesson by paragraph in the Catechism index.
Scripture read in this lesson: John 1:16; 1 Corinthians 4:1.
A sample question from this lesson
Which description of a sacrament is correct?
- A symbol that reminds us of something God did long ago
- An outward sign instituted by Christ that actually gives grace
- A ceremony the early Church invented to mark life stages
- A prayer that works only when the priest is very holy
Show the answer
An outward sign instituted by Christ that actually gives grace. The lesson gives the classic definition: an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. A sacrament does what it shows, it is not only a reminder.
The lesson in the app has three questions, each with an explanation.
Words to know
- Matter and form
- The matter is the material sign of a sacrament (water, bread, oil); the form is the words that go with it.
- Ex opere operato
- Latin for "by the work performed": a sacrament works by Christ's power, not the minister's holiness.
- Character
- A permanent spiritual seal given by Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders, which is why they are never repeated.
More terms in the Catholic glossary. More passages in the Scripture index.
Read the full lesson in the app
"What Is a Sacrament?" is lesson 1 of The Seven Sacraments. In Saints Light you get the whole teaching, the Scripture quoted in full, all three questions and a step to live it this week.
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Related lessons
- The Sacraments: How Grace Reaches Us (Start Here, free)
- What Happened at the Reformation? (Church History)