It is Not what we do that saves us; But Only through God's Mercy

It is Not what we do that saves us;  But Only through God’s Mercy

How many of us grew up thinking that the more Masses we attended, how many prayers we uttered, or how often our tireless efforts became our mantra, the closer we got to that train that would pick us up transporting our journey to heaven?  

There certainly is an environment that soothes our questing soul each time we pick up our rosary beads and use the repetition of Hail Marys and Glory B’s to God for ourselves or those souls near us for spiritual assistance.  Keep in mind that the Poor Souls In purgatory is one specific group that depends on us for their expiation.  I for one believe in earnest that these efforts on our part for someone else who cannot help themselves weighs heavily on God's Grace and they will certainly become the love of God towards our own place in heaven.  

However, it is the thought that many feel their points they accumulate by extra efforts to earn their salvation exists as an erroneous reality that needs to be corrected.  It isn’t how much or how often we do for others that earns us a path to heaven.  It is in the understanding that personal admittance that we still are sinners and only God’s mercy will save our souls.  

“We find Jesus reclining at table with many tax-collectors and sinners, for there were many who followed him.  (Mk 2: 15).  When the scribes and Pharisees grumble about the company he keeps, Jesus tells them that he has not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”  Lk 5:32).  

These, the sinners who doubt that God cares because of their intentional belief that does not exist, are the very ones who will find the path to heaven.  They are the remnant that learn and not earn, the Way, the Truth, and the Life who is Jesus Christ.  (Jn 14: 6).  

It is belief in the Mercy of God that will save us, and no matter how many points we seem to accumulate, these will fall short if we do not admit our weakness to sin and cannot find the grace of God through our failure to keep ourselves clean from what attracts our primary sense of pleasure and pride.

Psalm 145 explains the Power of God’s Mercy so accurately.  “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and filled with unfailing love.  The Lord is good to everyone.  He showers compassion on all his creation.”  (Ps 145: 8 - 9).

The answer to some who asked me what I can do, following ordination!  It isn’t what I do, but who I am.  This is the same of what Christ looks for in sinners.  “Not what you have done, but how much you need the Mercy of God is what you are

Ralph B. Hathaway