Magic attempts to use preternatural forces for natural ends. Sacraments use natural matter for supernatural ends.

—Fr. Dan Pattee (as paraphrased by Brian Niemeier)

Fr. Pattee is associate professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Brian Niemeier is a Loyal Reader and a good fellow with a sound head on his shoulders. He demonstrates this last point admirably in his recent blog post, ‘Squirrel Chasing’.