On Sacraments.
Sacraments. The word itself can often conjure up a sense of the mystical and the transcendent. The etymology of the word sacrament strengthens this sense. The English word sacrament is born of the Latin word, sacre, and may be translated as sacred or hallowed. From the Greek translation, we get the word musterion, which we translate into mystery. These two ancient languages provide us with a working definition of the sacraments as a sacred mystery. Finally, Saint Augustine provides us with an essential definition of the sacraments, “Sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification”. The purpose of sacraments is to, “Sanctify, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to worship God. Because they are signs, they also instruct. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it” (see the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council).
The Catholic Church enumerates seven sacraments, all of them instituted by Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the process of accepting these sacraments was slow. It was only over time that seven major rituals came to be accepted as sacraments. These seven sacraments officially named in 1215 at the Fourth Lateran Council, would not be officially codified until the Council of Trent (1545–1563). Over time these seven sacraments were further divided into three categories: initiation, healing, and service. Over the next few weeks, I will attempt to discuss each of these sacraments, including their origin and significance.
