Good Works

   “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works in dead.”  (James 2: 26)

   Some people claim that Saint James placed too much importance on works.  Some even went so far as to say that he claimed we could earn our way to heaven by good works.  I must believe that they have never read the entire letter of St. James but have just extracted a quote here and there.

   When a person accepts God’s ways in their life it is only natural that they will try to act in the will of God.  Jesus told us that we must feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and infirm.  As Christians we are expected to do these “good works”.  We are to recognize Jesus in those who need our help and in helping them we are also serving Christ.  If not, we will be turned away at the judgment.  “Truly I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.  And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. (Matt 25: 45 – 46).

   Good works are important and, I believe necessary, in the life of a Christian.  However, all the good works in the world won’t get anyone to heaven.  Only faith can open those doors.  But how strong and true is our faith if the good Jesus asks of us is ignored.  We become like the hypocrites who talk a good game but never take any action.

   St. Teresa of Calcutta is the perfect example.  She had incredible faith and it showed in her lifetime of devotion to helping the poor.  Hers’ is the example we are to follow.

Father our faith is sometimes weak.

We ask You to strengthen it.

We sometimes overlook those in need.

Help us to see Christ in them and provide.

Amen