The sacraments are visible signs, as is the Church itself. The Church is “visible” (which does not simply mean visible to the eyes) in at least the…

The sacraments are visible signs, as is the Church itself.  The Church is “visible” (which does not simply mean visible to the eyes) in at least the following ways: institutionally, historically, and socially.  Similarly the sacraments have an institutional, historical, and social dimension.  Sacramental visibility renders the internal and private dimensions of Christianity (faith, hope, love, grace, and even sin and repentance) external and public.