Tell me more ×
Christianity Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 5 down vote favorite

"Ex opere operato" says that a person must have the proper disposition and desire in order to receive graces through sacraments (correct me if I'm over simplifying this).

Does this not apply to infants when being baptized?

How do infants receive graces from baptism?

What is the doctrine regarding infants and "ex opere operato".

share|improve this question
Are you sure you don't mean "ex opere operantis"? That means, literally, "by the work of the worker". Your phrase ("ex opere operato") means, again very literally, "by the work of the thing worked" and I think it's typically used to emphasize the action of God as the cause of the grace given in the sacraments. It doesn't deny the necessity of a proper disposition; it simply doesn't address this aspect of the question. – Ben Dunlap Dec 20 '11 at 18:48

1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote

I'd say not, but this is just my opinion, and not because I've ever heard of Ex Opere Operato so I'll keep this short and hopefully someone adds a better answer. But Baptism leaves an indelible mark:

Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.

CCC 1272

Which is more like chiseling yours and your bride's initials into a post with a big heart around it.

share|improve this answer
Is that mark also applied to people who are baptized unworthily? – JustinY Dec 6 '11 at 19:00
2  
@Justin here's the Canon Law I'm pretty sure the only invalid baptism is the one done improperly. The grace is conferred regardless of intentions and the person being baptized gets the benefit of the doubt in all cases of conscience. – Peter Turner Dec 6 '11 at 19:36

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.