Notion of a Sacrament: Baltimore Catechism vs. Andre Dubus

• What is a sacrament?
• How many sacraments are there?
• What are the Baltimore Catechism's and Andre Dubus' views on what constitutes a sacrament?

When the Baltimore Catechism was written back in 1949, their interpretation of the meaning of the word sacrament was one of a very literal sense. Their definition was that, "A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace." The Baltimore Catechism also says that the sacramental signs were instituted by Christ, however some not as clearly and specifically as others. The two he was most clear on where those of Baptism and the Eucharist. He gave the Church power to make determinations in the matter and form of some of the other sacraments. The Baltimore Catechism, along with almost every other Catholic, suggests that there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Extreme Unction (Anointing), Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

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♦ Andre Dubus

Andre Dubus' interpretation of the meaning of the word sacrament, suffice to say, was quite different from that of the Baltimore Catechism. In his collection of essays, Meditations from a Movable Chair he says that, "A sacrament is physical, and within it is God's love... A sacrament is an outward sign of God's love." Growing up in the Catholic Church, Dubus, like many other Catholics, learned that there were seven sacraments. Through his life, he has embraced the idea that, "... the church is catholic, the world is catholic, and there are seven times seventy sacraments, to infinity." For Andre Dubus, sacraments are myriad. He also believes that, "...it is limiting to believe that sacraments occur only in churches." It is Dubus' strong belief that we give and receive sacraments freely with every action that we take and every moment of life that we experience.

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♦ Similarities

One common theme that both of these interpretations share is that of the love and grace of God. The Baltimore Catechism's definition of a sacrament is, "An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace." Along the same lines of that definition, is the definition used by Dubus, "A sacrament is physical, and within it is God's love... an outward sign of God's love." Both of these definitions mirror the other. It can be argued that the "grace" from the Catechism's definition is synonymous with God's love. The grace which is received from God through the sacrament(s) is God's grace and his love being bestowed upon those who are receiving the sarament(s). The similarities seemingly end there, as there are quite a few more differences to choose from.

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♦ Differences

The most obvious difference between the two interpretations is the straight-forward, no-nonsense approach and definition of the Baltimore Catechism compared with the broader, more open-ended definition and interpretation of Andre Dubus. For the Catechism, a sacrament is what it is: An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. For them, the sacramental signs were instituted by Christ during his public ministry and after his resurrection before ascending into heaven. They also contend that there are a set number of sacraments which is seven. The Catechism's interpretation of sacrament paints the picture of God using the seven sacraments as instruments to produce grace in our souls, somewhat like an artist produces a painting on a canvas. Dubus, however, describes the sacraments as ever-present and all-encompassing, "... I am receiving sacraments with each breath, as I did while I slept; with each movement of my body..." For Dubus, sacraments are not just given by God, but by everyone and everything we experience in our lives. He suggests that, "You can receive and give sacraments with a telephone" and that, "Making love can be a sacrament..."

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♦ Conclusion

While both interpretations seem completely different, the fact that they attempt to define the meaning of what a sacrament really is makes them similar in at least one regard. Andre Dubus mentions in his essay that, "A sacrament is an outward sign of God's love, they taught me when I was a boy, and in the Catholic church there are seven." This statement alone suggests that Dubus himself may have studied from the Baltimore Catechism as a child, which would again draw another parallel between the two interpretations. The meaning of the word sacrament for Dubus simply expands on the Catechism's existing meaning. Whereas the Catechism has only seven sacraments, Dubus begins with those seven and expands them to numerous sacraments and sacramental experiences which can be related to and experienced through everyday occurrences.

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