The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 264: Man’s Merit (2025)
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Sep 21, 2025 Fr. Mike explores the profound concept of merit, emphasizing that our good actions are rooted in Christ and grace. He highlights how true merit comes from God's initiative and our response to it, using St. Thérèse of Lisieux's beautiful image of appearing before God with empty hands. The discussion encourages reflection on the balance between grace and our cooperative efforts as baptized co-heirs with Christ. Listeners are invited to consider the examples set by the saints in living out these truths.
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Merit Depends On God's Initiative
- Merit exists but is grounded in God's initiative and grace, not a strict human right before God.
- Our good works are meritorious because God freely associates us with the work of his grace.
Merits Are Gifts Of Divine Goodness
- Our merits are ultimately gifts because grace unites us to Christ and enables supernatural acts.
- The charity of Christ is the source in us of all our merits before God.
Pray For Grace Before Acting
- Pray for the graces and goods needed for meritorious action, since prayer attends to necessary grace.
- Seek the Holy Spirit's movement before acting so your deeds bear supernatural merit.
