Sacraments Demonstrated

[Curious]

Hm…I wonder if I shouldn’t have put this in apologetics. Not sure. Anyway, here goes the question.

I believe I’ve discovered (through reading parts I and II of the Catechism) WHY Catholics do the sacraments, and the scriptural references used to back it up. Okay…fine.

But my question is, why do we not see these sacrements demonstrated in the early church of the Bible? Obviously we see baptism, and we can at least assume communion. But what about things like Confirmation? First Communion? The anointing of oil for the sick? Besides the scripture in James that says we should. Confession? I’m not trying to say these things are invalid…it just seems odd that you don’t see these things demonstrated through the life of any believer in the early church. I know the scriptural references, but I just think it’s weird that never did it say “So and so confessed his sins to such and such priest.” Am I making sense?

I know the scriptures about oral tradition and I know the part the gospels saying not every thing Jesus said was recorded and all that. I’m not one to say what should have been written down in the Bible…it’s just weird there’s no good examples.

Comments? Corrections?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Curious:

Hm…I wonder if I shouldn’t have put this in apologetics. Not sure. Anyway, here goes the question.

I believe I’ve discovered (through reading parts I and II of the Catechism) WHY Catholics do the sacraments, and the scriptural references used to back it up. Okay…fine.

But my question is, why do we not see these sacrements demonstrated in the early church of the Bible? Obviously we see baptism, and we can at least assume communion. But what about things like Confirmation? First Communion? The anointing of oil for the sick? Besides the scripture in James that says we should. Confession? I’m not trying to say these things are invalid…it just seems odd that you don’t see these things demonstrated through the life of any believer in the early church. I know the scriptural references, but I just think it’s weird that never did it say “So and so confessed his sins to such and such priest.” Am I making sense?

I know the scriptures about oral tradition and I know the part the gospels saying not every thing Jesus said was recorded and all that. I’m not one to say what should have been written down in the Bible…it’s just weird there’s no good examples.

Comments? Corrections?

Have you read any of the Early Christian Writings from the first 400 years? While the Church was persecuted during the time from 100-300 there was not much writing, but there is some. After the Church received it’s freedom there are many more. You must also remember that the Apostles were NOT told to go and write they were told to GO, Teach and Baptize. Many thought that Christ was going to return in in their lifetime!

 

[tmore35]

Curious,
Sacramental theology evolved through time. Some sacramental rituals were evident in early Christianity, they have changed over the frist 400 years. Al the sacraments were practices in some form in the Early Church.

As liturgy developed sacramental ritual became part of the early worship. Of course the Eucharist and baptism were practiced from the very beginning. Read the Didache. This is a work which is contemporary with the Gospels. It is really a sort of manual for catechetical instruction for those who are entering the Church. You will see a format for Confession before baptism and reception of the Eucharist.

Anoiting of the sick is mentioned in James as you stated, and it was commonly practiced in the early Church. Jesus Himself healed, and healing was an important ministry of the Apostles. Confirmation is a reafirmation of baptism and began to be practiced after infant baptism became the norm. Marriage was not officially delclared to be a sacrament until the Middle Ages (1215, I think–Lateran IV) but its sacramental qualities were recognized in the early Church. The priesthood was always initiated by the laying on of hands and the anoiting with oil.

As Bro. Rich suggested, read some of the patristic writings concerning the sacramental practices in the early church.

Pax et Bonum!

 

[Curious]

Thanks to both of you.

I do plan on getting into some history if I can…I just want to finish the Catechism first.

Your replies helped clear my confusion a bit. Thanks again.