Understanding the Sacraments of the Catholic Church
Temptations in the Desert
After being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus is led into the desert, where he dedicates time to fasting and prayer. This mirrors Israel’s 40 years in the desert and our time of Lent. There, he is tempted three times, undergoing an internal struggle regarding his mission. These temptations represent human diversions and misconduct, reflecting the history of humanity from its beginning. Jesus is the new Adam. It is necessary for Jesus (God) to enter into the drama of human existence to find all who are lost. At the core of the three temptations lies the question of what truly brings happiness to human life. This is the temptation of temptations: to turn away from God in life.
The Three Temptations of Jesus
- The Abundance of Material Goods: Jesus is tempted with the words, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread,” meaning to perform a miracle with his divine power to meet his needs. Bread is essential for life, but satisfying hunger is a natural function. Jesus never says this is bad. There is a similar phrase, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Here, the tempter tries to test Jesus, demanding proof of his claims and the existence of God. Many people question why a good God does not end world hunger. Jesus replies, “Not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Jesus rejects something that is not inherently bad, choosing a love that goes beyond self-satisfaction and produces good things. He refuses to say these realities are bad, but they are subject to a higher love.
- Power and Trust: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself from the eaves of the temple, for your angels will catch you.” This scene takes place at the Temple of Jerusalem, and the Devil demonstrates extensive knowledge of the Scriptures. Jesus knows that following God’s will always leads to the seemingly impossible. Despite any situation, the good Father never withdraws his protection from his creatures, even in extreme circumstances.
- Success: The Devil takes Jesus to a high mountain, showing him all the kingdoms of the land and the possibility of dominance. True power, which considers God, is the power of salvation and welfare. Power often seeks more power, fame, and success. Real fame and power lie in reminding those around you of God’s infinite love and the importance of each individual to Him. Against the desire for power, Jesus chooses the desire to serve.
Understanding the Sacraments
What is a sacrament? A sacrament is a visible sign instituted by Jesus Christ to give grace.
Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament of redemption, where one dies to sin and rises to a supernatural life of grace. It is the sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ that makes us his disciples and renews us to the life of grace through natural water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity. Baptism is the foundation of Christian life, the birth to a new life by which one becomes an adopted child of the Father, a member of Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Effects of Baptism:
- Deletion of original sin (forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins)
- Infusion of sanctifying grace (participation in the divine nature)
- Conferral of sacramental character
- Incorporation into the Church (one cannot receive any other sacrament without being baptized)
Baptism signifies incorporation into the Church, the Body of Christ, and participation in Christ’s priesthood.
Eucharist
The Eucharist is the work of salvation accomplished by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, made present by the liturgical action. Communion supports spiritual life as food sustains the body.
Fruits of Sacramental Communion:
- Union with Christ
- Increase in grace and virtues for those who receive with dignity
- Freedom from sin
- Strengthening of the unity of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ
- A foretaste of future glory
Dispositions to Receive Christ Worthily:
- Being in a state of grace, free from mortal sin
- Observing the Eucharistic fast (not eating or drinking anything for one hour before receiving Communion)
- Knowing who is received and aligning one’s desire with Jesus’
Marriage
Marriage is sacred by its very nature, and spouses are partners participating in the divine power to give life. Marriage between Christians is an image of the union of Christ and his bride, the Church. Among Christians, there is only one true marriage, which Jesus sanctified and elevated to the dignity of a sacrament. No Catholic can have a civil marriage, as it would not be valid. Among Catholics, only marriage contracted in the Church as a sacrament is valid.
Key Aspects of Marriage:
- Unity: Marriage is the union of one man and one woman.
- Indissolubility: The marriage bond cannot be broken.
- Divorce: Divorce is invalid within marriage. A marriage itself is invalid as long as there is a cause.
God intends marriage to be this way for the sake of the children, for the good, happiness, and safety of the spouses (especially women), and for the good of all human society. Humanity is composed of families, and the more robust and stable they are, the greater the order and welfare of society and individuals, especially for the faithful of the Church. The ministers of the sacrament are the spouses themselves, and two witnesses must be present for the marriage to be valid. The Holy Family of Nazareth is the model for Christian families.