Yes, we think works are on the way to the perfection or consummation of Justification, Sanctification, Salvation, Redemption, etc.
But we also think the good works we may perform, to the extent that they are good (if any) are gifts. My good works (again, if any) are not mine, "... for God is at work in [me] both to will and to work for His good pleasure."
Further, as I read Paul, I can't even pray properly by myself, but the Holy Spirit prays in me.
The poverty of our monks, nuns, friars, etc. is not just an added discipline, it's making external what is internal in everyone in whom God acts. I have nothing to plead before God but the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of the Son. Not one thing, not even orthodoxy. THEREFORE I am Catholic.
The poverty of our monks, nuns, friars, etc. is not just an added discipline, it’s making external what is internal in everyone in whom God acts. I have nothing to plead before God but the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of the Son. Not one thing, not even orthodoxy. THEREFORE I am Catholic.
I would say that for the Mary Knoll Sister I lived next to in China . . . that was likely true.
God sees the heart.
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks and certainly actions are visible. So it’s not like there’s no clue to the heart. Still, God alone sees the heart 100% accurately.
And Scripture and life observations indicate to me that far more Proddys AND RC’S go through the motions
than
HEART-FELT-LY FOCUS ON CHRIST/FATHER/SPIRIT ALONE.