Catholic Word of the Day: EX OPERE OPERATO, 12-19-12

CatholicReference.net ^ | 12-19-12 | Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary

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EX OPERE OPERATO

A term defined by the Council of Trent to describe how the sacraments confer the grace they signify. Trent condemned the following proposition: "That grace is not conferred 'ex opere operato' by the sacraments of the New Law" (Denzinger 1608). Literally the expression means "from the work performed," stating that grace is always conferred by a sacrament, in virtue of the rite performed and not as a mere sign that grace has already been given, or that the sacrament stimulates the faith of the recipient and thus occasions the obtaining of grace, or that what determines the grace is the virtue of either the minister or recipient of a sacrament. Provided no obstacle (obex) is placed in the way, every sacrament properly administered confers the grace intended by the sacrament. In a true sense the sacraments are instrumental causes of grace.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

[Salvation]

I never knew what this was called. Learning something every day!

[Salvation]

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Anselmian Argument	Kyrie Eleison	Transfiguration of the Lord
Ex Opere Operato

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I never knew what this was called. Learning something every day!

Here's your "something" for today: ex opere operato as is ex opere operantis [by the work of the worker] are both false doctrines. Grace cannot be merited by anything you do or don't do, as well, it can't be hindered or prevented by anything you do or don't do. Grace is God extending goodness, mercy, and kindness to those who don't deserve it.

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (Rom 11:6 ESV).