Expert: Sal - 9/3/2009

Question
I was reading the Bible recently and I came upon the part where Jesus said that Circumcision came from the Patriarchs and not Moses. This lead me to think about the sacrements and their origins. Christ established 3 Sacrements undisputibly in the Bible, (Holy Orders is not counted here though Christ clearly created an ordained Ministry and was intending that), they are Conffession, Baptism and Holy Eucherest. The Sacrements of Confirmation, Holy Orders, Matrimony andExtreme Unction seem to have been Inspired Later on in the Acts of the Apostles. So, if the Circumcision came from the Patriarchs and not Moses, would not those four not be sacrements as it could be argued that they are instituted by the Apostles and not Christ in a similar manner? they would be what the Anglicans call, lesser Sacrements. Regardless of your anwser, I accept the Church's teaching because I trust Christ, but most of my family are Prodestant and i want to fullfill my duty to, "account for the hope that is in me."

Answer
Dear Friend:

Jesus established all the sacraments. He sent the Holy Spirit to continue his ministry so it doesn't matter whether Jesus personally established a sacrament or if the Holy Spirit did. This is not the same as circumcision being before Moses. We can say that God established all seven sacraments. Also Jesus did establish Holy Orders at the Last Supper.

Have a great day,
Sal