6. How must we receive the Sacraments, in order that they may produce these graces in us?
We must prepare ourselves well for them, and then receive them worthily.
7. What sin does he commit who receives a Sacrament unworthily?
He commits a very grievous sin — a sacrilege.
8. Does not the efficacy of the Sacraments also depend on the worthiness or unworthiness of those who administer them?
'No; for the Sacraments have their efficacy, not from him who administers them, but from the merits of Jesus Christ, by whom they were instituted.
The Sacraments are, as it were, channels through which flow to us the graces which Jesus has merited for us by His bitter Passion and death.
9. Were all the Sacraments instituted by Christ?
Yes; for God alone can give to outward signs the power of producing grace and sanctification.
10. How many Sacraments has Christ instituted?
These seven: 1. Baptism; 2, Confirmation; 3. Holy Eucharist; 4. Penance; 5. Extreme Unction; 6. Holy Orders; and 7. Matrimony.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has instituted just as many Sacraments as are necessary and conducive to the supernatural life of man. For as he is first born into this natural life, then grows up and acquires strength, is frequently supplied with nourishing food, in order to preserve life and to increase his strength, etc.; so also he is, 1. Born in Baptism to the supernatural life; gains then, 2. In Confirmation strength and growth; 3. Receives in the Holy Eucharist a Divine nourishment; 4. Finds in Penance a remedy to heal all the diseases of his soul, and to restore him to the state of grace; and 5. Gets in Extreme Unction assistance and strength against despair and the last assaults of the devil; 6, In Holy Orders the powers of administrating the means of grace necessary to the supernatural life are propagated; and 7. In Matrimony the union between husband and wife is blessed, that, being sanctified themselves, they may also bring up their children to a holy, and consequently to eternal, life.
