Five Symbols For Each Sacrament And Explanations For Each Symbol
Baptism: The symbols of baptism include water, baptismal font, and paschal candle , the white gown, the sign of the cross , oil and the holy cross are also symbols of baptism. Explanations of Baptism symbols: The symbols of Baptism are water and oil. We are all born with the shadow of sin obscuring our souls. The waters of Baptism symbolize that the shadow of sin has been cleansed from our souls. The oils signify that we have been united to the spiritual body of Christ. The Baptismal candle is used as a sign of new life. It signify s the light of the world and opens the child's eyes to the light of creation. Clothing in a white garment symbolizes new life in Christ. White also reflects purity, newness and innocence. Eucharist: The symbols of Eucharist include the cross, bread, wine, the sign of the cross and the 'laying on of hands' Explanation of Eucharist symbols: The Eucharist involves bread and wine. The Eucharist bread is the staple food of the spiritual life, representing Jesus's body. The wine represents Jesus's blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. The bread and wine are served as conduits to be infused with the spiritual body and blood of Christ, like the way a copper wire serves as a conduit for the unseen reality we call electricity. In the Eucharist, the' laying on of hands' is done by the priest who stretches his hands over the bread and wine to call upon the Holy Spirit to consecrate these gifts in to the body and blood of Christ. Confirmation: The symbols of Confirmation include Laying on of hands, Anointing with Oil, the cross, Words of God, the Sign of Peace. Explanation of Confirmation symbols: The symbol of Confirmation is oil. For those who have been baptized as infants, this is a commitment to maintain unity with the spiritual body of Christ as adults. Chrism is a special oil used for anointing during the conformation ceremony. The priest recites the words "be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This means to be confirmed as a believer. The sign of the peace is used within the ceremony as a sign of unity and that we are one people of God. Holy orders: The symbols of holy orders are the, the stole, oil, laying- on-of-hands, the chalice and paten. Explanation of Holy Orders symbols: The symbols of Holy Orders are oil and the laying- on-of-hands. The oil signifies that the one anointed has been called by God to a special service. The laying-on-of- hands signifies that the Church authorizes the anointed to perform this service. The stole signifies a sign of ministry. The chalice and paten both signify the celebration of the Eucharist to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. Anointing of the sick: Oil is to signify that an interior action has taken place. Other symbols are, sign of the cross, laying on of hands, and words. Explanation of Anointing of the Sick symbols: The symbol of the Anointing of the Sick is oil to signify that an interior action has taken place. This action shields the spirit from the sufferings of the body, mind, and emotions. The sign of the cross reminds Catholics that their salvation comes through the cross of Jesus Christ. The laying on of hands symbolizes the power of God entering the sick person. The priest lays his hands on the sick person's head. Then he anoints the sick person on the forehead and palms of the hands with the oil and says the following words: 'Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord Who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.' Reconciliation:The five symbols of Reconciliation are keys, a stole, a raised hand, the cross and a scourging whip. Reconciliation include a priest, the sign of the cross, and the words of absolution to signify that sins have been forgiven. Explanation of Reconciliation symbols: The keys signify when Jesus said to Peter " i will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven." Jesus gave authority to the church to forgive sins. the stole is the primary symbol of the ordained priesthood the priest gives sacramental Absolution the stole signify the priests authority and to absolve sins. The raised hand is done by the priest in the Prayer of Absolution in removing the persons sins. The sign of the cross is given by the priest as he recites the final words of the Prayer of Absolution. A scourging whip symbolize when Jesus was crucified he was scourged at the pillar. Though is suffering He takes away our sin. Marriage: The symbols of marriage include the wedding rings, bridal veil, the unity candles and the Holy Bible. The bride and groom who have been called by God to form a union of love. Explanation of Marriage symbols: The wedding rings symbolize the unity and internal love for one another. The bridle vale is used for the bride to protect her from evil spirits that might steel her away from her groom. The unity candles show that the light of Jesus will always be in our lives. The Holy Bible meaning is that it signifies the couples dedication to learn about God and spread his message. The bride and groom in marriade have been called by God to form a union of love to symbolize the union of love between Christ and his Church. |