The Thomistic Institute The Sacraments in General: Definition and Necessity | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Apr 22, 2024
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., an expert in theology, delves into Aquinas' insights on sacraments, discussing their definition, significance in salvation, and role in ancient pagan practices. He explores human sacrifice, the fulfillment of sacraments by Christ, and compares Protestant views on sacraments to Catholic beliefs.
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Threefold Framework For Understanding Sacraments
- Sacraments require a threefold framework: Christology, anthropology, and semiotics.
- Aquinas compares sacraments to the incarnation: Christ's humanity is the primary instrument and sacraments are separated sensible instruments through which the Word works.
Form And Matter In Sacraments Are Words And Actions
- For Aquinas the matter of a sacrament is the sensible action and the form is the words pronounced.
- Words give determinate signification to ambiguous gestures, e.g., pouring water becomes baptism when paired with the Trinitarian formula.
Seminary Urban Legend About Invalid Baptism
- Fr. White recounts a seminary story about an aunt who 'baptized' using non‑Trinitarian names causing an investigation.
- The tale warns that wrong words can invalidate sacraments by altering their signification.