1128. This is the meaning of the Church’s affirmation49 that the sacraments act ex opere operato (literally: “by the very fact of the action’s being performed”), i.e., by virtue of the saving work of Christ, accomplished once for all. It follows that “the sacrament is not wrought by the righteousness of either the celebrant or the recipient, but by the power of God.”50 From the moment that a sacrament is celebrated in accordance with the intention of the Church, the power of Christ and his Spirit acts in and through it, independently of the personal holiness of the minister. Nevertheless, the fruits of the sacraments also depend on the disposition of the one who receives them.
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
358. What is the root of human dignity?
546. How did the Virgin Mary pray?
92. Did Christ have a true human body?
543. How did Jesus pray during his passion?
461. How are parents to educate their children in the Christian faith?
331. How is the sacrament of Holy Orders celebrated?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What do Daniel’s visions of the ram and the goat in Daniel 8 mean?
What does the promise of salvation and redemption in the midst of judgment in Micah 2:12-13 mean?
The Tower of Babel: What Does This Story Teach Us About God’s Sovereignty? (Genesis 11:1-9)
What is Jeremiah’s message about God’s unconditional love?
What is the promise of the Messiah mentioned in Malachi 3:1-3?
