For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10
“Vain-glory could never enter her mind, for she had seen the truth, and distrusting herself, placed her whole confidence in God, saying always: “Oh Lord! do with me what thou wilt.” She had so little esteem of herself that it was pleasing to her to be reproved for any inclination she might have, nor did she ever excuse herself. So clear was the interior vision of that illuminated mind, and such deep things did she say concerning perfection that she could hardly be understood except by the most profound intellects.
Among other things she said: “I would not wish to see one meritorious act attributed to myself, even if it were the means of insuring my salvation; for I should be worse than a demon, to wish to rob God of his own. Yet it is needful that we ourselves act, for the divine grace neither vivifies nor aids that which does not work itself, and grace will not save us without our cooperation.
I repeat it; all works, without the help of grace are dead, being produced by the creature only; but grace aids all works performed by those who are not in mortal sin, and makes them worthy of heaven; not those which are ours solely, but those in which grace cooperates.” So jealous was she for the glory of God, that she was wont to say: “If I could find any good in any creature, (which, however, is impossible) I would tear it from her, and restore it all to God.”
Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510) in Life and Doctrine of Saint Catherine of Genoa (Grand Rapids: CCEL) Chapter 10. Click here to download this classic work.
This week I decided to read the biography of a 15th century mystic. I am moved by how others describe her depth: “she could hardly be understood except by the most profound intellects.”
If today’s post went over your head. Read it again and ponder what people will say about you, or rather, what do you want people to say about you.
This post is about our needful cooperation with God. Let me explain. Catherine grasped what we all need to understand: the interplay between surrender and service and between grace and works.
She surrendered her will to God. People observed this as having little esteem for herself. Also, she wanted nothing meritorious attached to her. She only wanted God to receive glory through her service.
And related to works, she sounds so much like a mix of the apostle Paul and James.
She rightly articulates the role of grace with works. We must act, and yet, the works we do are empowered by grace, and for Catherine (as it should be for all of us), only God gets the glory.
Hang with me this week as the readings will be deep.
Let me conclude with a comment on the last line of today’s post. “If I could find any good in any creature, (which, however, is impossible) I would tear it from her, and restore it all to God.”
It reminds me of my mom, Patsy Hoag. I love you mom!
She has said repeatedly, “If you see any good in me, it’s Jesus.” I have heard her say this so many times, it echos Catherine. Any good in any creature is thanks to Jesus. All glory to God.
Brace yourself. God wants you to grow this week.
For now, surrender your will to God and to do good works because of the grace at work in you thanks to cooperation with Christ Jesus who is at work in you.