Maria Aubrey B.

Villamor Seminar 2
1-E January 23, 2018

Liturgy and the Sacraments: A Reflection

“Until we have a passionate love for our Lord in the most Blessed Sacrament we shall accomplish
nothing.”
- St. Peter Julian Eymard

Our God chooses to manifest Himself regularly in certain places at certain times and
these location and event can be seen in the consecrated elements of the Eucharist and
the sanctified lives of the faithful. It must be noted that the purpose of liturgy as well as
Sacraments is the glorification of God and the sanctification of the man. Liturgy is the
exercise of the priestly of Jesus Christ, in which the sanctification of the man is signified
by the signs that are perceptible to the senses such as water, oil, laying of the hands and
among others. On the other hand, Sacraments are considered to be an efficacious signs
of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church.

According to St. Seraphim, knowing God in a personal way makes the believer or
the faithful to be in a position to introduce Christ to someone else. Thus, in my own
opinion, the very first thing that I have to bear in mind in order to be a sign of Christ’s
presence to others is to be in a proper dispositions in which my mind shall be in
harmony with my mind, my voice and that I should cooperate with the divine grace.
Moreover, I should be fully aware of what should be righteously done, actively
engaged in the visible rights. These points shall be emphasized as an indispensable
element in order to become an effective witness of Christ’s holiness. After knowing
these core requisites, I have to present and exercise the promises of acceptance and
forgiveness towards others. We are made in the image and likeness of God therefore we
must learn to become meek and humble as what our Father bestowed upon us. In
addition, as a child of God, I should help others with all my heart and to make him
understand what it means to acknowledge Jesus in their lives. By these act, this clearly
depicts the idea of being a witness and sign of Christ’s presence. Lastly, as an aspiring
lawyer, I shall uphold the true essence of mercy and compassion by stressing the
concept of justice system.

In conclusion, it is this persistent awareness and interaction with God every day in
life which makes the full context of being a witness. God’s presence and power are
always open to touch the person’s heart and will eventually save those who fully accept
His presence unto their hearts. By consciously participating with the divine grace we
are considered to be a sign of Christ’s presence and thus, an instrument in order to help
other people and share all the teachings of our Lord.