The Seven Wonderful Channels of God's Grace

In this episode of From the Housetops, Brother Matthew reflects on the sacraments instituted by Christ to bring us the supernatural life of grace and to help us persevere in it until death. A sacrament is a holy thing, an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace, a visible sign of invisible grace for our sanctification. Each sacrament contains three essentials: an outward sign, inward grace, and divine institution. Through sensible signs such as water, oil, bread, wine, words, and sacred actions, grace is not only signified but truly imparted to the soul. In Baptism, Confirmation, the Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony, Christ continues to communicate His divine life to souls through visible and effective means.

Christ made use of visible signs because we are composed of body and soul, because men sinned through sensible things, and because humility, faith, and unity are required to receive grace. All the sacraments, when worthily received, confer sanctifying grace, making the soul holy and pleasing to God, while each sacrament also grants its own sacramental grace to assist us in fulfilling its purpose. God entrusted these sacraments to the Church, which surrounds them with sacred ceremonies to give glory to God, foster reverence, and draw souls to a deeper love of the divine life of grace. Join Brother Matthew as we reflect on these sacred mysteries and our call to receive them frequently and devoutly.