Many people have commented on how pleased they are that I am reviewing the sacraments and how important it is to be rooted in the sacraments. It was great to know that the children going to “Kids chapel” knew that there were seven sacraments and remembered which ones they had received so far at their ages. Our faith is rooted and nourished by “Word” and “Sacrament.” Therefore, ritual and sacramentals are so important for us as Catholics. The very definition of sacrament brings to light all the senses that come to us from the sacraments “An outward sign” reminds us that sight, sound, touch, taste, smell is all included in the outpouring of God’s grace into our lives.
Ritual is also so important in our lives as Catholics. Entering the church, we remind ourselves that we are baptized when we bless ourselves with holy water and make the sign of the cross. We acknowledge the presence of Christ when we reverence the tabernacle before entering the pew. The Hebrew and Christian Scriptures come to life and change meaning each time we read them, because the circumstances in our lives change each and every time we gather. What we read three years ago has an entirely different meaning because we are not the same person we were three years ago.
During coffee and… one person mentioned to me, “I can’t believe I remembered the definition of sacrament from over 60 years ago, “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace’ and yet, with this homily series it comes to life and has so much more meaning than it had when I first memorized those words!”
We are life-long learners, constantly as Catholics we are studying the Word of God reading the whole bible every three years and allowing it to be shaped by the sacraments we receive. The Liturgical Seasons lead us through the seasons of our lives. This is what our spiritual journey and spiritual lives are all about. That is why keeping a spiritual journal and bringing it to Mass each week helps us to see our progress as people of faith. What a wonderful journey it is when we see how it all comes together.
Remember, if you missed a portion of any homily series, or need a review, you can go to our website https://sacredhearthopedale.org/extending-the-message to find more.