Meeting Christ in the sacraments, therefore, affects our lives profoundly, not only weakening the grip of evil over us, but gradually transforming us into instruments of peace and reconciliation. This happens because, through the sacraments, we are connected with the key action of Jesus' life, his ministry of healing. Participation with Christ in this action draws us closer to him and makes us holy. We make this contact through Christ's community and in the sacramental signs that bring about inwardly what they externally signify. For instance, in Baptism, the water poured on a person's head and the baptismal works signify the divine life that floods our being. We are given new life, and in this sense, we are healed and reconciled to God.

Each sacrament meets a specific need and confers a particular form of divine help known as sacramental grace. The sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation launch people into the mystery and life of Christ. The sacraments of Penance (Reconciliation) and Anointing of the Sick also heal us. Matrimony and Holy Orders assist in life vocations. At every turn in life, Christ is with us, offering us the opportunity to participate more fully in the life of God's kingdom.

Excerpted from Worship and Sacraments - We Celebrate, We Praise by Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND and Loretta Pastva, SND. Copyright © 1992 by Benziger Publishing Company. Used with written permission of Glencoe/McGraw Hill, Woodland Hills, CA. All rights reserved.