The Sacramental Roots of Canon Law

Starting from a conception of canon law as an ensemble of just things in the Church, one may strive to understand why it is possible for the sacraments to be just things—that is, a juridical reality connected to sanctifying grace, which in itself is not juridical. The response comes by means of a theological investigation into the sacramental reality, by bringing to light the fact that the sacraments are just realities inasmuch as they are visible channels of grace. It is also possible to highlight the nexus existing between the sacraments' effects ex opere operato and their character as goods that, according to justice, are due to the persons receiving them from the ministers. Additionally, consideration is given to the special place of the sacraments of baptism and holy orders in the Church's law, as well as the radical sacramentality of the Church, which extends not only to the sacraments but also to other factors, such as the canonical mission.