The Eucharist and the Confessional

By F. D. Joret, O.P. “If thou knewest what it is God gives…” Christ’s words to the Samaritan woman ought to strike to the heart of every Christian. This gift is God himself and his grace poured out for the salvation of our soul; its giver is Christ himself, the very son of God. Yet does he not say, “My grace is sufficient for you”? Then why the Church? Why the sacraments? Because, as F. D. Joret explains, Christ is the founder of the Church and also the author of the sacraments, establishing them as the normal means of conveying his grace. Of these, the sacraments of the Eucharist and Penance are principal: the one bestowing communion with the divine life of God and igniting the fervor of charity in us; the other washing away our iniquity and cleansing us of our sin. Unfailingly available, these sacraments are the font of living water “which flows continually to bring us everlasting life.” You shall draw waters with joy out of the Saviour’s fountains. (Isaiah 12:3) First published in E