Sacred Passages : Bringing the Sacraments to Life

by Ghezzi, Bert

• ISBN13: 9780385503402
• ISBN10: 0385503407
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-09-16
• Publisher: Doubleday Religion

Summary

Sacred Passages takes an entirely new approach to the way we understand and experience the sacraments. Foregoing dry, technical explanations, Bert Ghezzi explores the meaning and benefits of the sacraments in a practical and highly personal manner. Interweaving scripture, the writings of the saints, and personal stories, Ghezzi reveals the dynamic realities that the sacraments provide believers. In chapters devoted to each of the seven sacramentsBaptism, Communion, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the SickGhezzi restores a sense of wonder and excitement in the sacraments and instills an understanding of what is really happening. For example, in the section devoted to Communion, the effectiveness of the sacrament is explained: The eating of the bread and wine cleanse, strengthen, and nourish the spirit. Reconciliation is seen as an opportunity for direct access to God through prayer and the continued participation in Christ's ministry. Each chapter includes practical teachings on applying the grace of the sacraments in daily life, inspiring believers to participate fully in all the stages and important moments of the Christian life, from birth, growth, and coming-of-age, through vocation and service, and finally to death. One of America's most popular writers on topics of interest to Catholics, Ghezzi's engaging prose, easy-to-understand explanations, and thoughtful insights offer readers a life-changing vision of the role of the sacraments, and helps them experience the practical and spiritual rewards of each sacred passage.

Author Biography

<p>BERT GHEZZI </b>is the author of thirteen previous books, including <i>Voices of the Saints</i> and, most recently, <i>New Jerusalem Bible, Saints Devotional Edition</i>. He is the editorial director of Servant Publications and divides his time between Winter Park, Florida, and Ann Arbor, Michigan.</p>

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
PART ONE: A FRESH LOOK AT THE SACRAMENTS	1	(36)
1 Signs That Do What They Say	5	(8)
2 Entering the Supernatural Dimension	13	(7)
3 Our Piece of Christ's Action	20	(8)
4 Knowing Jesus Personally	28	(9)
PART TWO: THE SEVEN SACRED PASSAGES	37	(76)
5 Baptism-Gateway to Supernatural Life	41	(11)
6 Confirmation-Passage to Christian Maturity	52	(9)
7 The Eucharist-Our Passover	61	(12)
8 Reconciliation-Sacrament of Mercy	73	(11)
9 The Anointing of the Sick-Passage to Healing and Home	84	(11)
10 Marriage-A Road to Holiness	95	(10)
11 Holy Orders-The Sacraments' Sacrament	105	(8)
PART THREE: BRINGING THE SACRAMENTS TO LIFE	113	(40)
12 Praying with Godpower	117	(7)
13 Overcoming Persistent Problems	124	(8)
14 Becoming Like Christ	132	(9)
15 Grace for Living-Faith, Love, and Hope	141	(12)
Endnotes	153	(4)
Select Bibliography	157	(2)
Permissions	159	(2)
Index	161