The Principle of Sacramentality and Sacraments in General

Third Quarter

Share...
about a symbol/s that is life-giving and loving presence of your special someone

Linking Questions
What does the symbol mean to you? How does the symbol speak of your relationship with him / her? What are the symbols in the 7 sacraments that mean more to you? How do those symbols speak of the presence of God?

Exposition
Sacred Scripture - For God so loved the world (John 3: 16) Church Teaching In our approach to the unseen God, symbols are absolutely essential (CCC 1146)

Integration
Doctrine: What are the three important factors that are integral to our life and self-understanding as human beings and therefore integral to the working of the principle of sacramentality?

Integration
Morals: How can we become symbols of Gods presence amidst sufferings caused by human greed and institutional injustice?

Integration
Worship: Compose a prayer for the victims of the human-made disasters and a prayer of commitment to take care of our Mother Earth?

Summary of Key Points

Symbols are signs that point beyond themselves to an unseen reality. Symbols engage our consciousness deeply; they stir our thinking, imagination, emotions; they shape the way we think and feel.

Summary of Key Points

Symbols not only point beyond themselves but share in the power of that to which they point, and thus, make present that reality.

Summary of Key Points

Celebration is an integral part of being human, hence an integral aspect of our approach to God. We share the important moments of life with others to enhance our community togetherness, to add meaning to life and to bring us into contact with the living God.

Summary of Key Points

Rituals are integral to who we are as humans; they are set patterns of ordering our lives which gives us a sense of security and comfort and thus make life easier and more meaningful.

Summary of Key Points

Rituals are integral to celebration; they regulate celebration. In religious celebration they lead us out of ourselves and put us in touch with the transcendent.

Summary of Key Points

Ritual that has lost its roots in the symbolic that is emptied of meaning becomes mere magic.

Points for Reflection:

What is the principle of sacramentality? What are the factors that are integral to our life and self-understanding as human beings?

That in all things, God may be glorified!