774. The Greek word mysterion was translated into Latin by two terms: mystenum and sacramentum. In later usage the term sacramentum emphasizes the visible sign of the hidden reality of salvation which was indicated by the term mystenum. In this sense, Christ himself is the mystery of salvation: “For there is no other mystery of God, except Christ.”196 The saving work of his holy and sanctifying humanity is the sacrament of salvation, which is revealed and active in the Church’s sacraments (which the Eastern Churches also call “the holy mysteries”). the seven sacraments are the signs and instruments by which the Holy Spirit spreads the grace of Christ the head throughout the Church which is his Body. the Church, then, both contains and communicates the invisible grace she signifies. It is in this analogical sense, that the Church is called a “sacrament.”
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
248. What is the criterion that assures unity in the midst of plurality?
2. Why does man have a desire for God?
196. In what sense is the Blessed Virgin Mary the Mother of the Church?
81. What is the meaning of the name “Jesus”?
500. How should children be considered?
184. How do the bishops carry out their mission of teaching?
451. How did Jesus act in regard to the Sabbath?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
How is prayer seen in the Psalms as an expression of dependence on God?
What do the horseman, angel, and Lord symbolize in Zechariah’s vision described in Zechariah 1:8-17?
What does Daniel’s dream about the four wild beasts in Daniel 7 mean?
What can we learn about divine justice from the Lord’s vengeance mentioned in Abdias 1:15?
What is the cyclicality of Israel’s history and how is it portrayed in Judges 3-16?
What does Wisdom 8:7 teach us about wisdom as a source of virtue and honor?
