The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1921-05-21
POPULAR APOLOGET|CS
Adapted from the German OF Rev
Peter Mikes, S. j., by Rev. James
Watcher.
Al. Justification by Good Works and
Standardization

Al. Justification by Good Works and
Standardization.
objection: Catholic doctrine en-
couraees justification by good works
and self-justifcation and pride before
God. whilst the reformed doctrine
teaches humility.
Answer: Certainly. Catholic doc
trine encourages good works; certain
". it demands inward holiness and
not mere outward application of the
Justice of Christ to ourselves, whilst
the inward filth of sin still remains.
Certainly, out of the sanctitied inner
life good works come forth. This
Catholic inwardnesS of grace is far
above the mere outward reformed JUS
LITIGATION.
But the Church knows quite wen
that we cannot do this by our own
mere natural powers, but that We need
Gods grace.
The Protestant concern for our hui
mility is therefore out of place and
rests on a false understanding Of the
we expected to perform good works
without Gods grace. After correcting
this false notion they will no longer
uncharitably consider us Catholics as
hypocrites.
The words of Christ: when you
shall have done all these things that
are commanded you. say: We are
improbable servants; we have done
that which we ought to do duke
1910, which PrOtestants like to quote
against our doctrine of good works
remain true all the same, because
God can derive no benefit from any
creature. We owe everything to Cod
also the ability to do good works.
Hence the honor of the Savior is not
diminished, but rather increased, be-
cause we acknowledge that we can
do nothing without Gods grace, not
even good thought. We know and
believe the words: without me you
can do nothing John 1881 and:
1T is God who worketh in you both
TO will and to accomplish, according
2 10 his good will" (Phil. 2:13). BY
trusting in Gods help we can also say
with ST. Paul: Il can do all things III
him who strengthened me" phil
: AID. We also know that good works
are necessary for salvation: IF thou
wilt enter life, keep the command
ments" (Matth. 1910. Hence saliva
lion depends on good works.
! As. Emperor and Servant Girl.
Objection: According to the Prot
estant point of view there is no differ
ence before God as regards merit;
emperor and servant Cir" are equal
if only both have faith.
Answer: Emperor and servant cir
: can also be equal in the Catholic
: Church; beside ST. Helen we have
= a st. Nothburga, a servant girl, beside
= a st. Louis we have st. Isidor,
farmer.
But that there is a difference of re
ward in heaven, Christ says Himself
with the same measure that yo1
mete withal. it shall be measured t.
YOU again" duke $3.50, and st. Pau
says: (God) will render to ever,
man according to his works from
2:6). The servant who won tel
pounds with one pound was set owe
ten cities, and the one who won fiv
pounds was placed over five cities
CLuke 1850
Luther says: 1T is proper to natur
always to want to earn something be
fore God, but that is false and sinfu
before God" Christ however say
three lines, speaking of prayer, fas
ing and aims deeds: THY Father VIII
seeth in secret will repay thee
(Matth. 6, 49,. He wants us
rejoice at our heavenly reward: "B
, glad and rejoice, for your reward
very great in heaven" (Matth. ): II
He encourages us to good works: La
llB treasures in heaven" (Matth. 6: 20
What Professionals often mockingl
throw up to Catholics that we war
TO buy heaven with money by givin
aims, Christ recommends. to the ric
young man: "If thou wilt be perfec
go sell what thou hast, and give
the poor, and thou shalt have treasul
in heaven (Matth. 10: 2D. Of cours
it is not the money as such, but til
good works, performed in the state
grace Besides, st. Peter, writes
brethren, labor the more, that /
good works you may make sure you
co1l;no apd aIoctionv ~ Pet 1. 100