THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION
1212 The sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundations of every Christian life. "The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity."3
The divine nature, do you realize that with the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist we participate along with Christ in His divine nature. They are not some man made rituals but God's inspired plan for our own salvation. The mystery of God goes way beyond what we will ever be able to fathom on our own but with Him, we participate within the mystery. Just because our human logic doesn't comprehend doesn't mean it isn't a reality, it just isn't a reality for those who do not participate.
In following Jesus, He first must plant the seed(Baptism), energize that seed(confirmation) and feed the gift of eternal life(Eucharist). In todays Gospel Jesus opens up scripture for us: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." John 12:24. It is in following Christ and serving Him not our own self interests do we advance. Where are you at along the journey? Have you fallen to the ground and in the process of dying to self?
The Sacraments are real even if you don't believe.
Dear Father, there is a hidden treasure within the teaching of the Church that does not contradict Your word but actually opens up Your word to what You are saying. In our own unbelief, help us believe in the mysteries of Your divine nature that is given thru Holy Mother Church. Prayers for assistance and guidance thru the Sacraments, may my words not betray Your trust nor get in the way. Prayers for a friend going thru an operation this morning, heal the body, mind and soul, to glorify You. Love Your son.
Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Pray for us.
St Patrick, Pray for us.
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