SACRAMENTS AND SACRAMENTALS
Part III
In our previous lessons, we looked at what sacraments and sacramentals are, their origin as well as what we obtain from them. Today, we shall discuss briefly about the differences between Sacraments.
The differences between Sacraments and Sacramentals
The basic difference between the Sacraments and the sacramentals is that, the Sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ himself and the Sacramentals were instituted by the Church, inspired by the Holy Spirit to teach and sanctify.
Furthermore, the Sacraments give grace of themselves when we place no obstacle in the way; the Sacramentals on the other hand excite in us pious dispositions, by means of which we may obtain grace.
As we have already noted, there are 7 Sacraments ( Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance and Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony), whiles there are numerous Sacramentals.
The Sacramentals have often been the point of debate among Catholics and non Catholics alike. Many do not understand why we should have holy water, incense, holy oils, rosary, scapulars, crucifixes, stations of the cross, images of the saints, the sign of the cross and other Sacramentals.
We shall look at the Biblical basis of the Sacraments and Sacramentals in our next study on Monday.
To be continued…
Padre Antonio
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