Validity of a Sacrament … 16-Sep-2018

From the Desk of Father David

Dear Friends in Christ,

Some people are raising the question: how valid is a sacrament performed by these priests who have greatly sinned?  We must always remember that all Sacraments are done by Christ.  It is Christ who baptizes, Christ who forgives sins in Reconciliation, Christ who transforms the bread and wine into His body and blood, Christ who seals the person with His Spirit in Confirmation, Christ who heals in Anointing of the Sick, Christ who seals the couple in marriage and Christ who ordains a man a deacon or priest.  During the Sacraments the priest standing in the person of Christ.  Before Vatican II, the priest during the mass faced the high altar not the people as a way of reminding people that it is not a particular priest but Christ who is again offering Himself to God the Father and then feeding us with His Body and Blood.

When we come to the Sacraments with this focus, it helps us realize that we are entering Christ’s presence and Jesus is keeping His promise to be with us always.  May we realize Christ’s Tender love for each of us and spread that love whenever we can.

In Christ’s love,

Fr. David