Had Christ not risen from the dead, there would be neither Church nor sacraments. He is at work in his sacraments. They are the signs and instruments of his presence. But they do not work without us. As the risen Lord said when he sent out his disciples into the world, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16). The sacraments are not only conferred but also received. Their bestowal of grace and life does not depend on us, but whether we accept them and let them