The Sacraments: Discovering the Treasures of Divine Life

by Fr. Matthew Kauth

Some of the most important and necessary building blocks of human life are so often taken for water, air, fire, food… We live each day without any sense of gratitude for these blessings that sustain our physical life.

And so it is for our spiritual life. The sacraments are the very lifeblood of our soul, yet in the midst of our busy lives, we can fail to understand their power and importance. Without them, we are spiritually dead. With them, the very life of God runs through us.

In this new book from Fr. Matthew Kauth, the Church’s seven sacraments are presented in such a way that no reader will ever again take them for granted. Fr. Kauth brilliantly illuminates not only the scriptural foundation and profound spiritual realities of each sacrament but also the necessity of each as a means to living a happy and fulfilled life that leads to heaven.

Highlights
• How the sacraments are anchored in the life and death of Jesus and are the medium through which he pours his life into our souls.
• Discovering the purpose, meaning, and symbolism behind the matter of the water, bread, oil, wine.
• Understanding how Christ administers his sacraments through human hands and what our own role is in receiving them.
• How Mary’s strength and fortitude, attributes we don’t normally attribute to her, are a model for Confirmation.
• An expert dissection of the instrumentality, effects, elements, character, and fruits of each sacrament. • How the sacrament of marriage reaches all the way back to Genesis but finds its full meaning in the passion of Jesus.
 
Christ told us, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Stop searching for the treasures of this world that only leave your heart empty, but instead, welcome the treasures he is waiting to give you… the treasures of his divine life.
 

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 2018

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and Fr. Kauth’s connection to the divine life through each Sacrament. He breaks down each of them into the different components making it easy to understand for someone who is new to Catholicism and interesting for those who are wanting to learn more!!

[Jason Zimdars · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly good read. It’s short so I thought it might be very surface level — it was quite the opposite. The author often left me wanting more depth (in a good way) when he’d make a unique or profound point in a sentence or two only to move on to, well, another solid point. Many times those situations would launch me into a long meditation. Other times I’d end up chewing on them for days. On a few occasions I’d complete a chapter, then turn around and read it again the next time I sat down with the book. Well worth your time and dollar.

[Jim Gallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fr. Kauth has provided an excellent treatise on the sacraments. After the introduction to what a sacrament is, each chapter covers one sacrament. The chapter describes the sacrament, its origins, elements and fruitfulness.

I felt that I had a pretty good understanding of the sacraments when I began this book and it did not shake that conclusion. I did, however gain new insights from the explanations and quotes from the theologians. I had never heard of Revelation consisting of the Book of Scripture, of which I was aware, and the Book of Nature, in which God reveals himself in creation. It makes sense ,but I will now look on the world with a greater appreciation. The quote from St. Augustine that God created us without us, but he will not save us without us illustrates the crucial nature of our cooperation with God’s grace. The speculation that Jesus may have set up an “appointment” with Mary Magdalene for after the Resurrection helps us appreciate that in God’s Providence there are no mere coincidences.

“The Sacraments” provides both the basics for the novice and depth for the educated layman. I found it to be a tome to be read, put down and contemplated before starting the next section. Give it the time it deserves and you will be rewarded.

[Kaitlyn Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful examination of the Sacraments instituted by Christ and provided by the Catholic Church. Fr. Kauth’s deep, abiding love for Christ is obvious in this text as well as in the corresponding video series. This is absolutely a must-read for any Catholic who wants to experience the Sacraments more profoundly or any non-Catholic who wants an understanding of why we believe what we do about the Sacraments.

[Elizabeth Gajdosik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book at this exact time in my life. Come to think of it, this book is appropriate for ANY station, situation, and time of anyone's life! Who doesn't need sacraments? Not only do we need them, but we need to be reminded of their importance, vitality, and prioritize accordingly. This book is small and straightforward and packs a spiritual punch.

[Tyler Higgs · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok, a bit hard to get through, and filled with platitudes. I am very interested in the sacraments, that God has given us real gifts that really change us, not just a certificate that claims we are saved. But this book is mainly just filled with instagram story postable quotes and nothing that actually helps me

[Kyrie :-) · Rating 2 out of 5]

decent read on the sacraments. I personally feel it would be better suited for someone starting out not knowing a lot about them and looking to learn more. didn’t do a whole lot for me, but it was well-written!

[Mike Kilcoyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what I asked for: a book on the sacraments. Wish it was longer.

[Katrina Guerrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably good. Fantastic catechesis and fantastic meditation material.