HOMILY - TUESDAY FOURTH WEEK OF LENT
MARCH 28, 20178:45 AM ORDINARY FORM MASS (4TH GRADE)
A Sacrament is "an efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ, entrusted to the Church, which dispenses the Divine Life to us."
There are 7 Sacraments, each of which has a particular "Matter" (the tangible object of internal disposition) and the "Form" (the words or prayer) that make it possible.
Baptism's "matter" is water, and it's "form" is "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The minister of this sacrament is any person. For a solemn bishop, the minister is a deacon, priest, or bishop.
Confirmation's "matter" is Holy Chrism and the laying on of hands. It's form is a long prayer of consecration. The ordinary minister of this sacrament is a bishop, but a priest may be given permission by the bishop to do so in certain cases.
The "matter" for the Eucharist is wheat bread and wine (mixed with a little water.) The form is the words of institution in the Eucharistic Prayers, "this is my body," and "this is my blood." The minister of this sacrament is a priest or bishop who presides at the Holy Mass.
In Penance, the "matter" is contrition (feeling sorry for your sins), confession (telling your sins), and satisfaction (making up for your sins). The "form" is the prayer of absolution by the priest. The minister of this sacrament is a priest or bishop.
The "matter" in Anointing of the Sick is the laying on of hands and the Oil of the Sick. The form is "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the Lord who frees you from sin, save you and raise you up." The minister of this sacrament is a priest or bishop.
Matrimony's "matter" is a man and a woman, and their free consent to enter into a lifelong committement. The "form" is their promises spoken in the presence of witnesses and a minister. The minister of this sacrament is the couple, and it must be witnessed by two people and a deacon, priest or bishop. In some cases, a lay person may be allowed to witness on behalf of the Church in place of an ordained minister.
Holy Order's "matter" is a baptized man, and the laying on of hands. In the case of priesthood, the hands are anointed with Holy Chrism, and in the case of bishops, the head is anointed with Holy Chrism. The "form" is the long prayer of consecration by the ordaining bishop. The minister of this sacrament is a bishop.
So every Sacrament has something "tangible" (the "matter") and a specific prayer (the "form") in order to effect it. It also requires a minister, who is usually someone in Holy Orders.
The Sacraments are a direct encounter with Christ in the person of His minister.
