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Reflection: The Catechism Explained by Stories and Examples

Question: What is a sacrament?
Answer: A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

The Natural Order and the Supernatural: There is a close analogy between the natural order and the supernatural. This is especially apparent in the seven sacraments instituted by Christ. The natural function of water is to cleanse, and the grace of Baptism is the removal of the stain of original sin. Bread and wine are man’s natural food and drink, and under their appearances Christ gives Himself to be the food and drink of our souls. Seven things, in fact, are necessary to the natural man: 1st, that he come into the world; ​2nd, that he be developed and strengthened; 3rd, that he be nourished with food and drink; 4th, that in illness he employ medicines; 5th, that when enfeebled with age and infirmities he subject himself to a strict regimen; 6th, that there be magistrates to defend, direct, and if need be to punish him; and 7th, that he propagate his species. Corresponding to each of these, there is in the supernatural order a sacrament instituted by Christ.

Question: How many sacraments are there?
Answer: There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

The Cities of Refuge: When Moses had led the people of Israel out of Egypt through the waters of the Red Sea into the Promised Land, God bade him appoint six cities through whose walls vengeance should never be allowed to pass in pursuit of its shivering victim. Herein we have a striking figure of the seven sacraments of the New Law. Baptism is represented in the miraculous passage of the Israelites through the Red Sea, and the other six sacraments are the six cities of refuge of the Christian dispensation, where the sinner is sure of protection from the just anger of God.

Question: Whence have the sacraments the power of giving grace?
Answer: The sacraments have the power of giving grace from the merits of Jesus Christ.

The Two Fountains: In the midst of a vast plain were two fountains, and from each fountain seven channels carried the waters of each to every part of the plain. The waters of the first fountain, though a little bitter perhaps, had wonderful virtue; by drinking them the old were made young, the ugly were beautified, the deformed and the sick were healed, and even the dead when plunged in were restored to life. The waters of the other fountain, though sweet to the taste, grew bitter in the swallowing, proved vomiting, convulsions and even death. The first fountain is Jesus Christ, and the seven streams, the channels of His grace, the seven sacraments. The other fountain is the devil, and from him flow the seven deadly sins. The misery of it all is, that notwithstanding the difference in their effects, many refuse to drink of the first fountain, and eagerly seek the waters of the other.