This past Sunday in the period before advent as in Nov 2023, our parish pastor gave a wonderful homily. It helped us understand things that seem to be unclear these days in society. So I wanted to share it.
He said that salvation as in heaven is not earned by us.
I took notes on the bulletin. Which is rare, but it was good. Yet, my notes are well the best I can do to render a great instructional homily.
But as Catholics we are called to cooperate with the gift of the grace of salvation.
( My self notes... not his homily. I know we often say as catholics, man I got to work on getting to heaven. Or such. But reread above as you do not earn it. However per Father we cooperate with it as in with Our Lord. )
So how do we cooperate with the grace of salvation, and end up as a saint in heaven?
There are three pillars in the Catholic Church. And he gave where in Scripture these pillars are proven. ( Which I failed to write the passage chapter and verses. But, I did write a few of the words of Jesus or an Apostle in Scripture making it easy for you to look up in a Catholics Bible. )
1. The Sacraments (7 in the Church) 2. Faith 3. Good Works
In terms of number 1, the Sacraments again I did not write down chap and verse. But recall, Jesus words that unless you eat of His Body and drink of His Blood ... no life within you (from John Gospel.). Further, He said that you must be born of water and the Spirit.
Next, in terms of number 2, that NT testament that you must confess with your mouth and believe (in your heart I think it says) that Jesus etc. (Notes poor here sorry). Father spoke to deep relationship and trust based on that Faith in Jesus. He mentioned surrender.
Finally, good works. Priest referred to Scriptures again. I do not know if he mentioned book of James, which speaks to importance of works. Priest did mention (a passage I believe) where you live for others not just yourselves. He spoke to generous with your time talent treasure.
Hope this helps. Sure helped me.
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