When did the current sacramental economy take effect?

[sw85]

Something I’ve always been curious about is when the present sacramental economy of salvation became efficacious. That is, at what point in history could we say that, for instance, baptism would affect the remission of sins, including original sin?

Did it take effect piecemeal, i.e., as each sacrament was instituted by Jesus? Or did it take effect all at once at some point in his life, i.e., at the moment of his death, or his resurrection, or his ascension, or Pentecost?

 

[dmar198]

Something I’ve always been curious about is when the present sacramental economy of salvation became efficacious. That is, at what point in history could we say that, for instance, baptism would affect the remission of sins, including original sin?

Did it take effect piecemeal, i.e., as each sacrament was instituted by Jesus? Or did it take effect all at once at some point in his life, i.e., at the moment of his death, or his resurrection, or his ascension, or Pentecost?

It seems they would each take effect upon their institution. For the Sacrament of the Altar, when Jesus instituted it, was truly changed from bread and wine into His Body and Blood – Matt. 26:26. It did not have to wait until some later point in time. In sending His apostles out to heal the sick and anoint them with oil, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick seems to have had its effect immediately – Mark 6:13 – and did not have to wait. The other Sacraments, one would think, would be similar to those two.

 

[danokeefe]

Something I’ve always been curious about is when the present sacramental economy of salvation became efficacious. That is, at what point in history could we say that, for instance, baptism would affect the remission of sins, including original sin?

Did it take effect piecemeal, i.e., as each sacrament was instituted by Jesus? Or did it take effect all at once at some point in his life, i.e., at the moment of his death, or his resurrection, or his ascension, or Pentecost?

good question-- im interested in the results of your thread

 

[DavidFilmer]

Pentecost is considered the birth of the Church. Shortly before the Ascension, Jesus told the Apostles,

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. [Luke 24:49]

But that does not account for the events that dmar198 mentioned in Mark 6:3.

Perhaps the economy of salvation was efficacious before Pentecost, but they were instructed to wait to begin practicing their ministry.

 

[JOE_OBERR]

The Catholic Church’s sacraments were birthed on the cross, when Jesus’ heart was pierced water and blood issued forth. The water represents baptism, the blood the Eucharist. The Church, however, was first manifested on Pentecost Sunday, when the promised Paraclete came to the Apostles to strengthen them to begin preaching the Gospel. The sacraments, therefore, were not available for dispensing prior to this date. On Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, the sacraments were made available for the first time. We know this from Apostolic Tradition, i.e., the Gospel as preached by the Apostles via the oral word of God. Evidence of this is even found in scripture in Acts when St. Peter told the crowd to repent and be baptized. From that point forward dispensing the sacraments was an integral part of the Church’s life.

 

[Evan]

Pentecost is considered the birth of the Church. Shortly before the Ascension, Jesus told the Apostles,

But that does not account for the events that dmar198 mentioned in Mark 6:3.

Perhaps the economy of salvation was efficacious before Pentecost, but they were instructed to wait to begin practicing their ministry.

Obviously some of the sacraments were effected before Pentecost: The apostles were initiated into the Church (baptism and eucharist - confirmation come on pentecost?) and they were ordained to the episcopate at the ascension.

 

[sw85]

Another way of thinking about this question would be “When did it become possible for a soul to enter Heaven upon death?” Thought of that way, wouldn’t it be after the Crucifixion?

Obviously some of the sacraments were effected before Pentecost: The apostles were initiated into the Church (baptism and eucharist - confirmation come on pentecost?) and they were ordained to the episcopate at the ascension.

I don’t recall any of them being baptized, and I thought their (sacramental) ordination occurred at Pentecost. Jesus just came them his commission at the ascension. That’s why he told them not to leave Jerusalem but to await the Paraclete – without the character of Christ engraved on their souls, they could not effectively continue his ministry.

 

[Nita]

Pentecost is considered the birth of the Church. Shortly before the Ascension, Jesus told the Apostles,

But that does not account for the events that dmar198 mentioned in Mark 6:3.

Perhaps the economy of salvation was efficacious before Pentecost, but they were instructed to wait to begin practicing their ministry.

I’m thinking the healings in Mark 6:13 were not sacramental healings. God grants miraculous healings through people - and things - even today that are not a result of receiving the Sacrament. In the Sacrament of the Sick, sin is also forgiven.

Also, Sacraments confer both sanctifying grace and their specific sacramental grace. (cf. Denz. 843,849,850) I don’t think the healings in Mark 6 would have included the bestowal of these supernatural gifts.