Christian Sacraments

CHRISTIAN SACRAMENTS focuses on three areas in regard to the sacraments. First, it traces the history of the concept of a sacrament. Second, it tries to insert this history into the context of theological reflection in the second part of the 20th century and after the Second Vatican Council. The writer is influenced by Pope Francis who states, "Indeed the Eucharist is itself an act of cosmic love: 'Yes, cosmic! Because even when it is celebrated on the humble altar of a country church, the Eucharist is always in some way celebrated on the altar of the world.' The Eucharist joins heaven and earth; it embraces and penetrates all creation. The world which came forth from God's hands returns to him in blessed and undivided adoration." Thus, the Eucharist is also "a source of light and motivation for our concerns for the environment, directing us to be stewards of all creation" [Laudato si' #236]. This provides a key to understanding non-Christian rites and sincere human efforts in the context of a cosmic liturgy of which the Eucharist is the climax. Thirdly, the book emphasizes that the sacraments are not a concept, but a celebration in community, which touches and changes lives.