In the study of linguistics, it is normal to see that the meaning of words may change over time. One such word that fits the category is the word “sacrament”. When we hear that word, we think of the seven sacraments administered by the church. They are a promise from Christ to show that he is still among us. To do this properly we look to the Latin term sacramentum.
Sacrament and Sacramenteum
What does the word sacramentum mean? To the Roman soldier it is a solemn obligation to carry out one’s duty even to the point of death. It is similar to the oath that soldiers in the 21st century make in the United States. They take an oath to support and defend the constitution of the United States against all foreign and domestic enemies.
An oath is made to obey the orders of the President of the United States and those officers appointed over them. When the Roman soldier enters military service, an oath is made to the Senate and the People. As the American soldier is called to make the ultimate sacrifice, the Roman soldier by virtue of his oath will fulfill his service to the point of death.
A Pledge From God
In regard to the sacraments, it is a solemn pledge from God to us. We are physical creatures, and sacramentum shows a personal relationship through physical matter. God gave us an oath at the beginning of salvation history and carried it out to death on the cross. The sacraments are a continued sign that he is always with us. They are also signs that He wants us with Him. May we never take the sacraments for granted, and if you have there is no better time than now to never do it again.
Sacrament Quotes For Reflection
If the angels could be jealous of men, they would be for one reason: Holy Communion. -St. Maximillian Kolbe
The Eucharist is the bread that gives strength… It is at once the most eloquent proof of His love and the most powerful means of fostering His love in us. He gives Himself every day so that our hearts as burning coals may set afire the hearts of the faithful. -St. Damien of Molokai
The Sacraments are the salvation of those who use them rightly, and the damnation of those who misuse them.- St. Augustine
These three things God requires of all the Baptized: right faith in the heart, truth on the tongue, temperance in the body. – St. Gregory Nazianzen
Remember, then, that you received a spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear. Keep safe what you received. God the Father sealed you, Christ the Lord strengthened you and sent the Spirit into your hearts as the pledge of what is to come. -St. Ambrose
Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the devil will be powerless against you. – St. John Bosco
Frequent the sacraments my friends. They are there to help us. God bless you!
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