“We understand scripture too - it is just that there are further scriptures that tell us that ONLY belief is not enough. “
Actually, belief is saving. Saving belief is demonstrated visibly through a changed life that includes works.
Once you reverse the order and try to find merit through your works, your train leaves the rails.
“..your train leaves the rails...”
Maybe the order is reversed? Our order was first.
Still- Catholics DO believe that belief is saving. The issue is that the entire life of Christ and the OT starting with the 10 Commandments is about doing. The deeds must be DONE - the Commandments must be obeyed. Beatitudes = do. If you don’t - are you still saved simply because you (a person, not you personally)
Free Will - Eve chose the fruit out of her FREE WILL and lost paradise.
The Lord, Lord scripture applies here as well as all scripture that exhorts us to follow His example= the road is narrow - not because they believe ONLY = because they follow the path