Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 3/30/2004

Question
Hello George A. Card, SFO, M.I.,


Engaged in a ecumenical dialogue with a "non demoninational Christian", the question of salvation came up.  His point was that Dismus, the "Good Thief", (....sorry, Saint Dismus) gained Heaven without recieving any of the Sacraments (although Baptism by blood/and desire could be argued).  So, he insists that a Christian does not "necessarily" have to frequent the Sacraments (the Eucharist and Confession) in order to be saved?

After some thought, I also put his point in the context of God's infinate mercy and the teaching of Vatican II -  in that, people of different faiths can be saved.

What are some arguments for frequent the Sacraments in terms of his justification by Faith alone argument?

Thank you; sincerely,





Paul  

Answer
                      Peace

Dear Paul
  First thanks for one of the more interesting questions of recent.
   Second: other faiths dont save a person, they can be a means for some people of those faith. God jugdes person by person not sect by sect. Also within the visible society of the Church, the rule is charity.
 Thirdly your question:
What are some arguments for frequent the Sacraments in terms of his justification by Faith alone argument?

First thought was interesting and challenging. Second thought was of the Lord's prayer: Give us our daily bread.
not just temporal bread but the grace to live out calling as the People of God. He calls to take up our cross daily, so we need to ask for that grace daily. What better place to do so, then in community. St Paul wrote the inspired words: whenever you partake of the bread and cup you proclaim the Paschal Mystery. Are we not to proclaim, that daily.

As for Penance: hmmm was my first thought on it. Then recalling the words of the Lord: whoever sins you bind, heaven binds, you loosen heaven will loosen. Did not he tell Peter whenever brother sins against you must forgiven him. So tied together, there might be something

Anointing of the sick: st James wrote-- is any among you sick, call an elder to lay hands.It should be noted he didnt state only so many times.

I how hope this of some help.

                  Your servant but His First
                      george