Day 153: Sacraments Save (2025) - The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Day 153: Sacraments Save (2025)

Mon Jun 02 2025

Jesus uses his sacraments to save his people. The Catechism proclaims that the sacraments are “efficacious”, the sacraments are “wrought…by the power of God” alone, and the sacraments are “necessary for salvation”. Fr. Mike doubles down on the reality that sacraments cause what they signify. They are not merely signs pointing to an already present reality—Jesus, himself, is at work in each and every expression of the sacraments throughout time and in all places. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1127-1129.

Summary

Summary of "The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)" – Day 153: Sacraments Save

Podcast Information:

Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host/Author: Ascension
Episode: Day 153: Sacraments Save
Release Date: June 2, 2025

Overview

In Day 153 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the profound significance of sacraments within the Catholic faith. Covering paragraphs 1127 to 1129 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Fr. Mike explores the efficacy, divine origin, and salvific necessity of sacraments, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of their role in spiritual life and salvation.

1. Introduction and Context

Fr. Mike begins the episode by setting the stage for the day's discussion:

“Today we are highlighting in these three paragraphs. You might think because it's three, it's going to be light. Mm mm. Tell ya right now. These are dense. Incredible.” (00:05)

He emphasizes the depth and significance embedded within these seemingly few paragraphs, preparing listeners for an in-depth exploration of sacraments.

2. Sacraments are Efficacious

The first key point Fr. Mike addresses is the efficacy of sacraments. He clarifies that sacraments are not mere symbols but are “efficacious,” meaning they actively confer the grace they signify.

“Sacraments are efficacious because in them Christ Himself is at work.” (07:30)

Using baptism as an example, he distinguishes between mere public expressions of faith and sacraments that effect real spiritual change:

“Baptism is a public expression of the faith you already have, but it doesn't, like, accomplish anything.” He counters this by asserting baptism’s power to actually bring one into a right relationship with the Lord, citing Scripture:

“First Peter says, baptism saves you.” (15:45)

3. Ex Operato Operato: Divine Origin of Sacraments

Fr. Mike then explicates the concept of ex opere operato, meaning sacraments work by the very act of being performed, independent of the minister's personal holiness.

“It is the work of Christ through the priests, through the minister.” (25:10)

He underscores that sacraments derive their power from Jesus Himself, not from the individual administering them:

“It is he who baptizes, he who acts in his sacraments in order to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies.” (32:20)

Fr. Mike uses the analogy of a stop sign to illustrate the difference between a symbol that merely signifies and one that causes its significance:

“A stop sign... doesn’t cause you to stop. But sacraments are sacred signs that cause what they signify.” (40:00)

This powerful explanation reinforces the belief that sacraments are active tools of grace, orchestrated by Christ.

4. Sacraments are Necessary for Salvation

Delving deeper, Fr. Mike asserts the essential role of sacraments in salvation, grounding his explanation in Scripture. He references John 3:5 and John 6:54 to support this claim:

“Unless you're born again of water and the Spirit, you shall not enter the kingdom of God.” (55:15)

“Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” (58:40)

These passages highlight baptism and the Eucharist as indispensable rites for attaining eternal life, reinforcing their necessity within the Catholic faith.

5. Disposition of the Recipient and Fruits of Sacraments

While sacraments are always efficacious, Fr. Mike explains that the spiritual benefits—or "fruits"—depend on the recipient's openness and disposition:

“They are always there... but whether or not you and I experience the fruits of that sacrament is going to be based off of our disposition.” (1:05:30)

He analogizes this to wearing a raincoat in a shower:

“If you have a raincoat on... you're not allowing the water to clean you.” (1:08:45)

This metaphor illustrates that while the grace of the sacraments is always available, personal receptivity determines the extent of its transformative power.

6. Conclusion and Future Topics

Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating the power and necessity of sacraments:

“The sacraments are efficacious. They're powerful. The sacraments are real every single time. And they're necessary.” (1:15:00)

He acknowledges the complexities surrounding those who may not have access to sacraments, promising to explore these "what abouts" in future episodes.

“What about others? We'll get to that, but first, let's just acknowledge...” (1:20:10)

Finally, he invites listeners to continue their journey, emphasizing the life-giving nature of sacraments and their role in uniting believers with the divine.

Key Takeaways

Efficacy of Sacraments: Sacraments are not merely symbolic gestures but are active means of conveying divine grace.
Divine Action: The power of sacraments stems from Christ Himself, not from the personal holiness of the minister.
Salvific Necessity: Sacraments, particularly baptism and the Eucharist, are essential for salvation as affirmed by Scripture.
Recipient’s Disposition: The spiritual benefits of sacraments depend on the individual's openness and willingness to receive grace.
Ongoing Exploration: Future discussions will address the complexities of sacraments for those without direct access or knowledge.

Fr. Mike Schmitz delivers a compelling and theologically rich exploration of sacraments, reinforcing their foundational role in Catholic faith and practice. His explanations provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of how sacraments function as vital conduits of God's grace and instruments of salvation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

07:30: “Sacraments are efficacious because in them Christ Himself is at work.”
15:45: “First Peter says, baptism saves you.”
25:10: “It is the work of Christ through the priests, through the minister.”
32:20: “It is he who baptizes, he who acts in his sacraments in order to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies.”
40:00: “A stop sign... doesn’t cause you to stop. But sacraments are sacred signs that cause what they signify.”
55:15: “Unless you're born again of water and the Spirit, you shall not enter the kingdom of God.”
58:40: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.”
1:05:30: “They are always there... but whether or not you and I experience the fruits of that sacrament is going to be based off of our disposition.”
1:08:45: “If you have a raincoat on... you're not allowing the water to clean you.”
1:15:00: “The sacraments are efficacious. They're powerful. The sacraments are real every single time. And they're necessary.”
1:20:10: “What about others? We'll get to that, but first, let's just acknowledge...”

Final Thoughts

Father Mike Schmitz's Day 153 episode offers a nuanced and authoritative examination of sacraments, blending theological insights with practical analogies. By emphasizing their efficacy, divine origin, and necessity for salvation, he deepens listeners' understanding of sacramental theology and its implications for personal faith and the broader Catholic community.

Transcript

A (0:05)

Hi, my name is Father Mike Schmitz and you're listening to the Catechism in a Year podcast where we encounter God's plan of sheer goodness for us, revealed in Scripture and passed down through the tradition of the Catholic faith. The Catechism in a Year is brought to you by ascension. In 365 days, we'll read through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, discovering our identity in God's family as we journey together toward our heavenly home. This is day 153. We are reading paragraphs 1127 to 1129. As always, I am using the Ascension edition of the Catechism, which includes the Foundations of Faith approach. But you can follow along with any recent version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You can also download your own Catechism in a Year reading plan by visiting ascensionpress.com ciy and lastly, you can click Follow or subscribe in your podcast app for daily updates and daily notifications. Today is day 153. You're reading paragraphs 1127 to 1129. Wait, Father, that's three paragraphs. I know. Isn't that crazy? Yesterday was five, today's three, tomorrow will be one. Just kidding. Tomorrow's more than one. Yesterday. Sacraments of faith. Right. Remember the day before. Sacraments of Christ, Sacraments of the Church. Yesterday. The purpose of the sacraments. What to do, what to sanctify us, to build up the body of Christ, to give worship to God. Today we are highlighting in these three paragraphs. You might think because it's three, it's going to be light. Mm mm. Tell ya right now. These are dense. Incredible. Number one, sacraments are efficacious. Meaning they do something. Keep this in mind. They're not just symbols. They are symbols, but they're symbols that accomplish something. They're efficacious also. Sacraments 1128. It's not up to the holiness of the minister. You might have a bishop, priest or deacon who celebrates the sacraments. And maybe they're like, wow, they're not that holy of people. It's not that bishop, priest, or deacon's work. It is the work of Jesus through the priests, through the minister. It's the work of Christ. So the sacraments will always be powerful. A, they're efficacious. B, they will always be efficacious. They will always be powerful, regardless of the holiness or righteousness of the minister. And the last piece, 1129. Sacraments, man. They're necessary for salvation. We're going to talk about what that means. So sacraments are powerful, sacraments are always powerful, and sacraments are always necessary. That's what we're highlighting today in these three paragraphs. So as we launch into today, let us launch into the Father's heart with a prayer like how I did that. Let's launch into the Father's heart as we pray. Father in Heaven, you are good and all your works are good. You lead us to your heart. You share with us your Holy Spirit. You give us your Son, to be our Lord, to be our Savior, to be our brother, Lord God. You even call us your friends. Help us. Help us to allow you to be Lord. Help us to trust you to be our Savior. Help us to walk with you as our brother, and help us to be vulnerable enough to be your friend. Help us to be your faithful friend. We make this prayer in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Wow, you guys. Okay, here we are. Day 153, paragraphs 1127, 1129. The sacraments of salvation Celebrated worthily in faith, the sacraments confer the grace that they signify. They are efficacious because in them Christ Himself is at work. It is he who baptizes he who acts in his sacraments in order to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies. The Father always hears the prayer of His Son's Church, which in the epiclesis of each sacrament is expresses her faith in the power of the Spirit. As fire transforms into itself everything it touches, so the Holy Spirit transforms into the divine life, whatever is subjected to his power. This is the meaning of the Church's affirmation that the sacraments act ex opere operato, literally by the very fact of the actions being performed, that is, by virtue of the saving work of Christ accomplished once for all. It follows that the sacrament is not wrought by the righteousness of either the celebrant or the recipient, but by the power of God. From the moment that a sacrament is celebrated in accordance with the intention of the Church, the power of Christ and His Spirit acts in and through it, independently of the personal holiness of the minister. Nevertheless, the fruits of the sacraments also depend on the disposition of the one who receives them. The Church affirms that for believers, the sacraments of the new covenant are necessary for salvation. Sacramental grace is the grace of the Holy Spirit given by Christ and proper to each sacrament. The Spirit heals and transforms those who receive him by conforming them to The Son of God, the fruit of the sacramental life, is that the spirit of adoption makes the faithful partakers in the divine nature by uniting them in a living union with the only Son, the Savior. Okay, there we have it. Day 153, paragraphs 1127 to 1129. As I said, just only three paragraphs. But those three paragraphs are potent, right? They are filled, filled with power. A couple things to keep in mind. Just like the sacraments, filled with power. Because there are some Christians, right, who would say that the sacraments that they encounter are merely symbols, right? So there are some Christians going back a couple hundred years maybe, who would say that, like baptism, that they would say, baptism doesn't do anything. But baptism is a public expression of the faith you already have, but it doesn't, like accomplish anything. Now, here's what we're saying in paragraph 1127. We're saying that celebrated worthily in faith, the sacraments confer the grace that they signify that they're efficacious because in them Christ himself is at work. So what that means is the sacraments actually do do something which makes sense. I mean, think about this. When it comes to what the scriptures say, Scripture, first Peter says, baptism saves you. Now, meaning baptism does something. It's not merely public expression of the faith you already have or the relationship you already have with the Lord. No, actually, baptism brings you into right, relationship with the Lord. Baptism saves you. Now, it is efficacious, right? So every time that we encounter the Lord in the sacraments, there's power there. It actually does something. It's not simply a remembrance, it's not simply a symbol. And that's so important. In fact, you might say a definition of a sacrament could be a sacred sign that causes what it signifies. It's a sacred sign that causes what it signifies. So for example, in paragraph 1127, it says, not only, like I said before, they're efficacious because in them Christ himself is at work. It is he who baptizes, right? So you might say, oh, Father Tony baptized me. Well, yes, but actually we say Jesus baptized you, because it's always Jesus who's working in those sacraments goes on to say, he who acts in his sacraments, Jesus who acts in his sacraments, in order to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies. So remember that kind of mini definition. I just offered a sacred sign that causes what it signifies. You can think of it like this. Okay, what does that mean? Well, here's a stop sign. Stop sign is A sign that means what it signifies. Stop here on the corner. But that stop sign doesn't cause you to stop, right? It doesn't cause what it signifies. I know this because I have rolled through a couple stop signs in my life. But you can imagine a stop sign that actually caused you to stop. Maybe you can't picture what it would be, but you can imagine that one could exist. So a sign that caused what it signified, the sign that caused what it was a sign of. That's what the sacraments are. So baptism is a sign of Washington. It actually does wash away original sin. Baptism is a sign of birth. It actually does make us into God's sons and daughters. The sacrament of confession, reconciliation is a sign of God's forgiveness. It actually does forgive our sins. The sacrament of Eucharist is the sign of Christ's body and blood. It actually is Christ's body and blood, right? So keep this in mind. The sacraments are efficacious. They actually do what they claim to do. They do what they point to. They do what they're a sign of. A sacrament, right? Is a sacred sign that causes what it signifies. It's so important. Now, the next step here in paragraph 1128. So 1127, sacraments are powerful, right? They do something. They're effective. Goes on to say sacraments are not only effective, but they act by virtue of Jesus Christ. They're not based off of the holiness of the minister. It goes on to say the sacrament is not wrought by the righteousness of either the celebrant or the recipient, but by the power of God. So the Latin phrase here is ex opere operato, right? So by the very fact of the action being performed, I heard a translation by the very work worked, which is nice and confusing, but by the very fact of the action being performed, it doesn't matter if the bishop is super holy or the priest is super holy or the deacon super holy. The minister is important because he has to be there and he has to intend what the Church intends. But the sacrament is not based off of the holiness or personal righteousness of the celebrant or of the recipient, right? So when you and I approach the sacraments, if we're not righteous, we're not holy, the sacrament still happens because this is based on the power of God. And so the moment the sacrament is celebrated in the way that the Church wants it to be, the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit, act in and through it, no matter what, no matter the personal holiness of the minister or the person receiving this. The moment the sacrament is celebrated in the way that Christ and the Church intend, regardless of the holiness of the individual, that sacrament is efficacious. It's powerful. Now, at the same time, the Last sentence in 1128 highlights this. Nevertheless, the fruits of the sacrament also depend on the disposition of the one who receives them. So, yes, the sacrament happens every single time. It's always there. But whether or not you and I experience the fruits of that sacrament is going to be based off of our disposition, our openness to receive the fruits, and openness to bear the fruits of that sacrament. So an example could be something like, so if you step into a shower, the water's running, it's going to get you clean. But if you have a raincoat on or a poncho on, you're going to be underneath the water of the shower, but it's not going to get you clean. And something similar is there. The power of the sacraments are always there. Like, here is the water rushing out. Here's the grace rushing out of those sacraments right there. And if you want, if you're open to it, they will transform your life. But if I am not open to it, it's like wearing a raincoat or a poncho in the shower. Yep, the water's there. All the shampoo and soap is there. I'm not allowing it to clean me. Does that make sense? So this is kind of the example, is that, yes, the power of God is always present in the sacrament, regardless of the holiness of the minister or the recipient. But if I want to experience the fruits of the sacraments, I have to have the disposition that says, okay, I'm open to this. Now, last thing, the Church affirms that for believers, the sacraments of the new covenant are necessary for salvation. So this is very important for us, and we're going to talk about what if someone doesn't know about Jesus? What if someone doesn't have access to the sacraments later on? But let's just highlight this. They're necessary for salvation. Well, one, you know, as we said, first Peter, baptism saves you now, but let's go back all the way to Jesus. In John chapter 3, Jesus makes it very clear. He says, unless you're born again of water and the Spirit, you shall not enter the kingdom of God. So baptism essential, necessary. In John chapter 6, Jesus says, Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. So the Eucharist, necessary for salvation, that's going to be very, very important for us. Now, the question obviously immediately pops up into our minds and says, wait, what about those who don't have the opportunity to. To experience baptism or to receive the Eucharist? That's another question for another time. For us right now, though, it is incredibly important that at least at the very beginning of this whole thing, we acknowledge the fact that Jesus, our Lord and Savior, our God himself, has said that the sacraments are necessary for salvation. And to say, what about other people? We'll get to that, but first, let's just acknowledge the fact that God himself has said, unless you're born again of water and the Spirit, you shall not enter the kingdom of God, so baptism necessary. He also has said that unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will have no life within you. That's Eucharist necessary for salvation. To just sit with that for just even a little bit before we start asking the question, the what about question. But what about others? What about someone else? Does that make sense? Let's just highlight that in be okay with that just for today. In the future, we'll take a deeper look at the what abouts. For today, we recognize that the fruit of the sacramental life is that the spirit of adoption, right? That spirit of the Father saying, you are my child. It makes us partakers in the divine nature. We share in the very nature of God, because we talk about this when it comes to baptism, because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, in the power of the Holy Spirit abiding in us, the Holy Spirit himself abiding in us, we become temples of the Holy Spirit. We now are partakers in the divine nature. You, if you've been baptized, you share in the very nature of divinity. You share in the very nature of God. We'll look at the what abouts later on. But right now, just to highlight my goodness, the gift that God has given to each one of his baptized children is amazing. Why? Because the sacraments are efficacious. They're powerful. The sacraments are real every single time. And they're necessary. And that's what we heard today. Little review. You guys, What a great day. I am praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.