Nature and the environment offer us the opportunity to experience many of God’s gifts to us. When God created the earth, he gave these wonders to humanity for our use. The Book of Genesis tells us that when we use creation correctly, it can help us grow closer to God. 

When Jesus came as the God-Man, He further sanctified and used created things to show the love God has for us. When Jesus left us the Church to continue His presence among us, he gave us the Sacraments to remind us God’s love. 

Each Sacrament requires two components: the matter and the form. The form is in the words used to effect the Sacrament, such as “This is my Body,” and “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.  The matter is the “stuff” that is used for the Sacrament, such as bread and wine, water or oil.

As we enter this new week, we can reflect on how we can use the Sacraments to strengthen our relationship with God.