Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, there is no doubt that a good number of us are conversant with this assertion of St. Augustine thus: “The God who created you without you cannot save you without you.” The above saying corroborates strongly a position in Catholic Theology that often poses serious challenge to our Separated Brethren; and that is: “Faith and Good Works” (cf. Js 2:14-26)
The Catholic Church, in line with the testimony of the sacred scriptures, has continued to teach that *FAITH and GOOD WORKS* are necessary for salvation. Hence, the Catechism affirms:
But “faith apart from works is dead”: when it is deprived of hope and love, faith does not fully unite the believer to Christ and does not make him a living member of his Body (cf. CCC, n. 1815)
Faith and good works can also be talked about in the context of *Divine Providence and Human Efforts*. Here, Divine Providence is: “the dispositions by which God guides his creation toward perfection” (cf. CCC, n. 302). Thus, we recall the Parable of the Sower, in which the seeds that blossomed were those that fell on FERTILE SOIL while others that fell on ‘INFERTILE SOIL’ withered away (cf. Matt 13:3-8).
👉🏼Now, through our BAPTISM, God has sown us like seeds; thus, offering us an opportunity of growing into great possibilities like the MUSTARD SEED. However, he does not expect us not to cooperate with this his wonderful initiative. This cooperation involves daily and sincere obedience to the Commandments of God. Therefore, it is only our sincere human efforts, in obedience to God’s Commandments *PLUS* Divine Providence that will guarantee our salvation.
We pray the Blessed Virgin Mary, to always support us with her powerful intercessions. Amen🙏🏼
Happy Sunday and remain blessed!
(cf. CATECHESIS “NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE” FOR THE 11TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)
READINGS: R1 Ezek 17:22-24, R2 2 Cor 5:6-10, Gosp. Mk 4:26-34)
