“a sacred sign that actually effects what it signifies”. Sacraments “really work”, really give grace. “Grace” (see section 8 of this chapter) means the undeserved gift of God. It is the work of God himself. In fact, it is the very life of God, which he shares with us. In the sacraments we participate in God’s own life and work. “As fire transforms into itself everything it touches, so the Holy Spirit transforms into the divine life whatever is subjected to his power” (CCC 1127). The sacraments give