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The sacraments produce grace no matter what

Mon., Sept. 16, 2013
Deacon Robert Banet

(A loose translation of “Ex opere operato” means “when the work is worked.”)

My cousin Charlie thinks he’ real smart.

Oh?

Yes. He learned a fancy Latin phrase and he parades it around like I don’t know what.

What’s the phrase?

Ex opere operato.  And it means God loves His people.

I know a little Latin and I think you’re putting me on.

OK, wise guy.  But it does mean that in a way.   I t has to do with the sacraments.  It  means that the sacraments produce grace no matter what.

How do you mean?

Well, the work itself, that is, the sacrament, when it is done properly even by an unworthy minister, produces grace.

You mean, even if the minister is in sin, the grace is still available?

Exactly.  Now you see what I mean when I say ex opere operato means God loves us.

Well, not really.

God knew that His ministers would not always be up to par.   So He made sure that His love would be poured out no matter what.  He would not let unworthy ministers block the way.  He would not make the goodness of the sacrament depend on the holiness of the minister.

I see what you mean.  What a great way to insure that  His people would be taken care of, even in the worst of circumstances.

God thinks of everything.

What a wonderful God we have.

Amen to that!

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