REL 123: Christian Spiritual Vision: Paper 2 - Sacrament - Both a sign and a symbol?

In this comprehensive study, Michael Lawler incorporates the insights of philosophy, anthropology, biblical and liturgical studies to fashion a theology of sacraments as "prophetic symbols." Reflection on each of the sacraments he presents the significant biblical data, highlights important historical shifts, and notes contemporary revisions of the sacramental rites and current theological developments. With an excellent command of the sources, and employing insights of contemporary sacramental theology, Michael Lawler develops a theology of the sacraments which seeks to respond to the many pressing pastoral issues of today.

Sacraments speak a language and disclose their power through symbols. Beyond 'representing' another reality, sacramental symbols are intimately connected with the reality they express and sources of joy, solace, confrontation, peace, healing, strength, and life-giving sustenance to the initiated. In its Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the Council the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) urged that sacramental symbols be more transparent to their sacred reality to disclose the reality of the Christ event --the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ--so that mystery, and not confusion, could flourish. The seven sacraments - Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Marriage, Orders and the Anointing of the Sick - reveal a link to social justice. The contributors to this book are theologians with pastoral sensitivities--including marrieds, parents, pastors and priests. This present work the social implications of worship, the history of each sacrament, and but also an integrated understanding of the transformation that is inextricably linked to each sacrament, as well as the active presence of Christ who lives in expectation of our response to participate in the urgent response to unjust policies and systems that affect the most vulnerable in our global family.