2005. Since it belongs to the supernatural order, grace escapes our experience and cannot be known except by faith. We cannot therefore rely on our feelings or our works to conclude that we are justified and saved.56 However, according to the Lord’s words “Thus you will know them by their fruits”57 – reflection on God’s blessings in our life and in the lives of the saints offers us a guarantee that grace is at work in us and spurs us on to an ever greater faith and an attitude of trustful poverty.
A pleasing illustration of this attitude is found in the reply of St. Joan of Arc to a question posed as a trap by her ecclesiastical judges: “Asked if she knew that she was in God’s grace, she replied: ‘If I am not, may it please God to put me in it; if I am, may it please God to keep me there.'”58
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
346. What are the effects of the sacrament of Matrimony?
594. Why do we say “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”?
144. What happened at Pentecost?
379. What are the principal human virtues?
283. What is the meaning of transubstantiation?
464. What are the duties of citizens in regard to civil authorities?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What is the role of women in society, according to Ecclesiasticus 26:1-4?
The importance of hospitality and caring for others: The generosity of Tobias and his wife Sara.
How did Nehemiah deal with the division between rich and poor Jews in Nehemiah 5?
What does the Bible say about the importance of honesty and integrity in Ecclesiasticus 20:1-11?
