THE SACRAMENTS

When is it that Christ breaks into our lives? -Brian

"So what" encounters with divinity. 

Sacraments of the church are visible realities that suggest the hidden presence of God.

Religion continues as a response to a wonderful mystery in which we are changed. 

Two great sacraments. Baptism and Eucharist

Five sacramental rites. Confirmation, ordination, holy matrimony, reconciliation, unction.

Each sacrament symbolizes an internal transformation of human spirit. Through the sacraments Christ enters our lives and commutes God’s work of redemption.  

Power of the sacraments comes from God.  Grace is not earned.  Doesn't rest on the faith of those administering nor of the faith of those receiving.   Power of the Holy Spirit. 

In each sacrament we respond to God’s love. 

Marked as Christ's own forever. 

How do we respond? 

Eucharist

Christ's body and blood are truly present in consecrated bread.  Doctrine of the real presence. 

Doesn't matter how exactly Christ is present. What is central is the belief that by eating the bread and wine are united in communion with Christ. "Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the body and blood of your son. The holy food and drink of new and unending life in Him.”   

Not a reenactment of a past event but as the acclamation of a present reality of Christ among us today.  Anamnesis active form of memory that connects us to the past event.  Communion is not a symbol - it is active participation.

In the Eucharist, past events that become present are God’s saving actions throughout history.  “All time collapses in one moment."

Confirmation

As we continue in life, we grow in stature within the community.  Throughout experience, we gain knowledge of Christ, ourselves and our calling.  Confirmation is the affirmation of faith proclaimed at Baptism, mature commitment to Christ.  Renewal of Baptismal covenant.

Bishop lays his hand on the candidate, asking God to strengthen and empower for service.  Jesus laid his hands - physical contact is powerful.

Confirmation is not completion of initiation - mature affirmation of faith.

Marriage

the physical and spiritual binding together of two people before God and his people for mutual joy and lifelong commitment.  Covenant in marriage mirrors God’s relationship with the chosen people and Christ’s relationship with the Church.

Reconciliation -

Peace be with you - Shalom - includes wholeness, health, prosperity and right relationship.

Corporate confession on Sunday.

Sacramental reconciliation - restoration of right relationship.

Catechism defines sin as seeking our own will instead of the will of God.

When that is broken, God yearns for our pardon and peace.

Rite - has two forms - penitent and priest meet privately.

"Reconciliation, Preparing for Confession in TEC" - Martin Smith

Healing/Unction

Anointing with oil - symbol of healing from antiquity

Follows the example of Jesus healing the sick. Healing through the laying on of hands helps to restore inner brokenness and soothe suffering spirit.

 

Ordination

3 Holy Orders: 

bishop - to represent Christ and his Church

priest - pastor to the people

deacon - assist in liturgical, pastoral and teaching roles.  Special roles to serve the poor, the sick and the suffering.

Two Rites - 

Ministration of the Sick and Burial of the Dead

Thanksgiving for the birth/adoption of a Child

We live sacramental lives - God’s grace is given to us every day through sign of God’s indwelling with us.

References: Your Faith, Your Life - "An Invitation to The Episcopal Church" by Jennifer Gamber