At mass this morning, we read James 2:14-17 commonly referred to as the “Faith and Works” passage. It’s often cited to demonstrate the unique Catholic view on salvation.

While many Christians believe professing faith in Christ begets salvation, Catholics believe that the certainty of this promise cannot be predicted by man but only by God who can fully see into the human heart.

To be sure, it is by grace alone that we could ever claim admittance into the lavish kingdom God has prepared for us. Good works, in and of themselves, hold no salvific power. But they are a natural expression of a heart that’s been won over by Christ- a heart that’s been saved by grace. If good works are foreign to one’s daily life, it would appear that the battle is not yet won.

Isn’t this the call of the Christian life? The continual acceptance of grace so that our hearts might be reshaped in the image of Christ and our actions might be a natural outward display of this internal disposition.