Light and darkness, wind and fire, water and earth, the tree and its fruit speak of God and symbolize both his greatness and his nearness. (CCC 1147)

We continue to talk about the Holy Spirit, who gives spiritual understanding to the Word of God.

Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Pascal mystery of Christ is celebrated, not repeated at Mass. The HS turns the bread into the body of Christ and wine into the Blood of Christ during the "epiclesis" (a vocab word that probably won't ever help you on Jeopardy).

The Pascal Mystery is present in the 7 sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. These are instituted by Jesus Christ. Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders leave an indelible seal which means that they can never be repeated.

The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, build up the body of Christ and to give worship to God. It nourishes, strengthens and expresses our faith! They are independent of the personal holiness of the minister but the fruits of the sacraments depend on the disposition of the one who receives them (CCC 1128).

Sacramental Celebration of the Paschal Mystery

Who celebrates the liturgy?
How is the liturgy celebrated?
When is the liturgy celebrated?
Where is the liturgy celebrated?

Who: heavenly powers, all creation, servants of the Old and New Covenants, new People of God (especially martyrs), Mother of God, Brode of the Lamb, and a great multitude which no one could number from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tounges..... [catch your breathe].

How: Through signs and symbols like language, gestures, and actions - - these are the same ways we communicate with other men. Through the Liturgy of the Word, which is an integral part of the sacramental celebrations!

For more, stop by next week!