Distance Learning 2

These are the Sacraments by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen- Intro

            In this essay, Fulton explains the relationship between sacraments and having a “divine sense of humor.” According to Fulton, one cannot understand the sacraments without having a “divine sense of humor.” With this humor, a person can see through things, and understand its meaning. This is important because sacraments have two parts, a visible one and an invisible one. Jesus had a “divine sense of humor” because he revealed that the universe was sacramental. Fulton argues that man today has lost this “divine sense of humor.”

These are the Sacraments by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen- The Bible is a Sacramental

            Fulton explains how the bible is like a sacrament because it has a foreground and background. In the foreground lie the actors, such as the wars and the temple. In the background is God as the Chief Actor. He explains how God uses symbols to foreshadow events in the future. He uses the example of the brazen serpent in the desert and Christ. Fulton then goes on to explain the mystery of sacraments and Christ.

These are the Sacraments by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen- What the Sacraments Bring to Man

            In this essay, Fulton explains how the sacraments bring divine life and grace. Christ came to bring back divine life to man, that we had once lost. Because it is a gift, it is considered grace. Fulton also explains the three different levels of life. The first is the sensate, where people who deny higher existence reside. The second level is the intellectual, which is a more satisfying life to live. The third level is the divine level where the person is aware of higher existence and God’s grace. The sacraments also show how God saved us.

These are the Sacraments by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen- Seven Conditions of Life

Here Fulton relates the Seven Conditions of Life to the Seven Conditions of the Christ-life. The seven conditions of life are to be born, nourishment, growth, healing of wounds and disease, living under the government, and to propagate the human species. The Christ-life is similar to the regular life, except it is revealed through sacraments.

The Power and Efficacy of the Sacraments

            Fulton discusses how sacraments receive their power from the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. He then goes on to explain why a blood sacrifice was needed to bring the world sanctification. The first reason is because shedding blood represents the emptying of sin. Blood also signifies sacrifice, and finally because it was the blood of Christ is had infinite value.

The Application to the Sacraments

            Here Fulton explains how sacraments are different for different people. Just like water changes color when poured into different glasses, sacraments have different effects depending on the person receiving it.

Divine Sense of Humor?

            A divine sense of humor allows people to see through things and understand their meanings. This relates to symbols because symbols have meanings that cannot be seen. If someone takes things to seriously, they are missing the meaning of the symbol.