The Sacraments and Human Nature

Human nature is a strange thing. We consistently require a need for a physical representation. We are unable to fully believe on faith alone. We need evidence, proof. 

St. Thomas Aquinas wrote that humanity is led by physical things, things that we can interact with through the five senses. God dispenses His grace through the sacraments. Although the sacraments each dispense spiritual grace, each has its own unique physical representation. For example, take the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Of course you could just go to the priest and say "Forgive me for I have sinned" and the priest would reply "You are forgiven" and we could all skip happily into the sunset. However, as humans, we need to feel forgiven. We need a sign to reassure ourselves that yes, God still loves me and He has forgiven me. As a result, we confess our sins to the priest, and he gives us absolution in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Another example is in the Eucharist. Sure, God could have just told us we are saved, but how long are we going to believe that? Instead, God sacrificed Himself on the Cross and instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist. We are able to remember His death and resurrection every time we go to Mass and relive the last supper, consuming the Body and Blood of Christ. 

We have events such as banquets and graduation ceremonies so as to have a tangible experience to our actions. Such applies to the sacraments. God has given a means to receiving His grace through a physical experience. It is through the experience that we build our relationship with God and continue on the path to greater holiness.