At a recent physical I was reminded of the four essential body functions that must be measured to assess basic health. Body temperature, pulse or heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate are all signs that assess the general condition of a patient. These metrics are referred to as vital signs. I began to think of what may be vital for catechists to function properly within the body of Christ and sacraments came to mind. St. Augustine defined a sacrament as an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace. Is it possible, then, that catechists living a sacramental life might become visible signs of God’s love and presence within us?
Sacraments of Initiation
The sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist makes us a sign of God’s love. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life.” (1212) In other words, we are regenerated in Christ, equipped to become disciples, and prepared for eternal grace. As catechists, how may we bring ourselves as these gifts to the young in our care?
Baptism
Baptism is a gift which foundationally makes us living members of Christ and His Church. We can think of that moment as not only a historical event, but one that is alive in us every day. Because our baptism is alive in us, we as catechists must become bearers of hope to all we catechize.
Reflection
How can I become a gift of life to my students thus leading them to become living members of Christ and His Church? Is it possible to help students view their baptisms not only as an event from long ago, but one that brings new life through Jesus everyday?
Confirmation
Confirmation nurtures baptismal grace and completes our bond with the Church. It is also a work of God that molds us into the image of Jesus, making us able to love like Him. The gifts of the Holy Spirit allow for Christ to be present in us and shape our lives, enabling us to walk with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Catechists must encourage youth to seek confirmation to find ways so they might follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit in their own lives.
Reflection
How can I nurture grace in my students bringing them closer to Jesus and the Church? What model of Christian living might I provide so that others follow my example? Can I foster a sense of appreciation and sensitivity to wisdom and understanding, right judgement and courage, knowledge and reverence, and wonder and awe? Do I encourage the youth to continue growing in their faith and to seek the sacrament of confirmation? How can I provide examples of reliance on the Holy Spirit within my own life?
Eucharist
The Eucharist completes Christian initiation and constitutes the source of life of the Church. The physical signs of the Eucharist, the altar, bread and wine, resemble a banquet. As we hear the words of consecration, “Take and eat, this is my Body … Take and drink, this is my Blood,” we hear the life giving words of Jesus. As we take and eat, and take and drink, we share in the Paschal mystery of everlasting life. The Greek word for Eucharist means thanksgiving, which encompasses God’s love for humanity through Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. As catechists, we partake of the mystery so that the sacrament may continue to keep Jesus’ presence alive in the Church.
Reflection
What does it mean to be fully initiated into the Christian Church? How do I appreciate the gift of the Eucharist as a source of life? What does the mass as a banquet and taste of heaven mean to me? In what ways may I give thanks for God’s love of humanity? How may I instill appreciation for the Eucharist in my students?
Sacraments of Healing
Through the Sacraments of Initiation humanity receives new life in Christ. We experience this life “in earthen vessels” (2 Corinthians 4:7), and we are still subject to temptation, to suffering, to death and, because of sin, we can even lose this new life. (CCC 1420) This is why the Lord Jesus, the Author of life and Great Physician, wished His Church to continue His work of salvation. He does this through the Sacraments of Healing, Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick.
Penance and Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Sacrament of healing. When someone goes to confession it is to receive healing. Many scriptural examples can be found of Jesus healing physical needs and today’s people are in similar need. However, the greater need is spiritual healing or forgiveness of sins. When sins are forgiven, we are reconciled with God and our sisters and brothers and can truly be at peace. As Pope Francis said at a recent homily on healing and confession, “to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation means to be wrapped in a warm embrace: it is the embrace of the infinite mercy of the Father.”
Reflection
When was the last time I was wrapped in a warm embrace by the Father? When was the last time I went to the doctor? What type of healing is more important to me, physical or spiritual? How may I serve as an example to the youth of the importance of receiving God’s forgiveness and love?
Anointing of the Sick
Receiving the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is an opportunity to receive the strength of Christ. While some may see the request as the last step before the funeral home the request actually brings Jesus himself to relieve the sick, to give them strength, to give them hope, to help, and even to forgive them their sins.
Reflection
Why might I hesitate to call a priest for the Anointing of the Sick? What is the value of receiving this sacrament? How can I teach young people the value of this type of healing?
Sacraments of Service
Sacraments of Service are directed toward the salvation of others. They serve a particular mission of the Church by building up the people of God. (CCC 1534)
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the Sacrament which enables the ministry, entrusted by the Lord Jesus to the Apostles, to feed his flock, in the power of his Spirit and according to his heart. To feed Jesus’ flock means to serve the people of God not with the power of human strength or with one’s own strength, but with that of the Spirit and according to his heart, that heart of Jesus which is a heart of love.
Those who receive Holy Orders may be the leader but must serve others. “The Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 10:42-45) Another characteristic is a passionate love for the Church. In virtue of Holy Orders the minister dedicates his whole self to his community and loves it with all his heart: it is his family. Those in this position must also remain faithful to a sacramental life so as not to lose sight of the authentic meaning of one’s service or the joy that stems from profound communion with Jesus. Finally, Holy Orders begin with the Lord’s call. If someone has felt the calling in his heart it is Jesus who has put it there. He should follow the lead and answer the call.
Reflection
How well do I respect the sacraments of service? In what position do I find myself and how well have I answered that responsibility to serve others? In what ways might I help my students listen to what God wants for them? How might I instill an openness to a religious vocation in my youth?
Matrimony
The Sacrament of Matrimony, or marriage, leads us to the heart of God’s plan, which is a covenant plan with His people. Through the story of Creation in the book of Genesis God makes male and female in the image of God. Together they represent the image of God’s love, the covenant of God represented in a covenant between man and woman.
When a man and a woman celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage, they become “one flesh,” so intimate is the union between man and woman in marriage. (Genesis 2:24) And this is precisely the mystery of marriage: the love of God that is mirrored in the couple that decides to live together.
Reflection
What does it mean to me to be created in the image of God? How might I be an image of God’s love? How might I mirror the love of God to my students? How might I explain marriage as a reflection of God that is in service to the people of God?
Heavenly Father, we pray that through the gift of faith given to us through the sacraments we embrace our baptismal call, become bound to you as a disciple of Christ led by the Holy Spirit. And like the Eucharist, may we bring life to those to whom and with we minister. Through our weakness may we become strong through your embrace so that we might always offer ourselves as a service to each other and for those around us. Amen.
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