Grace and Works

The following Q&A is a brief adaptation from a recent email inquiry. I should take this opportunity to point out that those of you who are sending me questions need not have any concern about me revealing the origin of the question or the recipient of my answer. I'm just utilizing email correspondence as a basis for posting my thoughts here on the web for the general benefit of my readers who may have similar questions but have not yet felt comfortable contacting me for the answer.

Q: Why does the Catholic Church teach that works have such high value? What about salvation by grace?

A: The Catholic Church teaches (from the Scriptures) that our works do not earn our salvation in any way whatsoever and that no trust should be put in the good works that we perform. The Church teaches that salvation is by grace not works, it is the gift of God. The Church also teaches (James 2) that faith without works is dead. A living faith naturally flows forth with good works, outward signs of what is true in the heart of a person. Acts of love and mercy are proof of what you believe in your heart.

Thank you for feeling free to ask these questions and point out these perceptions of the Catholic Church. Some people get intimidated about dealing with a sensitive topic like this, but I think that open communication is one of the ways that we can all set aside misperceptions and be more unified in our faith.