What is grace and how can it change our lives?

What is grace?

What exactly does “grace” mean?

The word “grace” derives from the Latin word “gratia”. It shares its root with “gratuitous”, describing something offered without cost or merit.

The Catholic Church teaches that grace is an undeserved gift from God to Man. This means that God gives Man his love, forgiveness, and salvation before he has done anything to earn it.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast.” (Eph 2:8), writes the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus.

However, this does not mean you can sit back and do nothing. Although grace is an undeserved gift from God to us, it requires us to respond. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains: “When God touches man’s heart through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, man himself is not inactive while receiving that inspiration, since he could reject it; and yet, without God’s grace, he cannot by his own free will move himself toward justice in God’s sight.” (CCC 1993)

The sacraments as sources of grace

But how can a Catholic Christian accept grace and then preserve and cultivate it? How can he even increase the grace that flows to him from God?

The invisible grace of God is bestowed on the believer primarily through the sacraments. The sacraments are visible signs that Christ has instituted and that people can perceive with their senses. Through them, the invisible grace of God becomes tangible. That is exactly why Christ gave us the sacraments, so we can experience his presence in every season of life and receive his healing power. In this context, the Catechism speaks of so-called “sacramental graces”. (Cf. CCC 2003)

The sacraments prove that Jesus Christ is not just a historical figure who belongs to the past. Rather, sacraments are constant expressions of his continuing presence in his Church. The sacraments convey the grace of Christ here and now and help believers to deepen and strengthen their relationship with God.

Do all people receive grace equally?

God wants to save everyone. As his creatures, all people are chosen to go to heaven. So why does grace affect some people but not others if God’s offer of grace applies equally to all people?

God is not unjust. He is the creator of all people and values each of them immensely. But, as in every relationship, people must also show their willingness and respond to God’s invitation with trust and love. God’s grace is therefore always there, but it can only have an effect to the extent that a person responds to it.

The example of the two criminals crucified next to Jesus illuminates this. In the Gospel of Luke, we read: “Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.’ The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, ‘Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23:39-43)

Grace and free will

As harsh as it may sound, people can decide against heaven, against their own happiness. This is what it means to have free will. Man must want to be saved, so to speak; he must respond to God’s love offered to him. God cannot force his grace on him.

The one criminal – popularly known as the penitent thief – recognizes his sins and opens himself up to grace. He acknowledges his guilt and is saved. Not because he was innocent or less guilty than the mocking criminal. Jesus saves the penitent thief simply because he accepts his offer of grace, in other words: Because he actively cooperates with grace.

The mocking criminal, on the other hand, closes himself off to grace. He rejects it. He does not believe in Jesus. He remains hardened. Even at the moment of death, he does not turn back. According to human judgment, God can no longer do anything for him. And yet! Nothing is impossible for God. Even for the impenitent thief, the Son of God hangs on the cross.

Did God’s grace still reach his heart at the last moment? We do not know.

Turn your life into a life of grace

God alone can make a guilty man innocent, whatever his past may be. This is the way God “justifies” the sinner. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

It is his “sanctifying grace” that renews Man. It restores his friendship with God. It opens the “door to heaven” for him. Already here on earth!

Entrust yourself to God. Live in his grace always. Little by little, you will realize you are being renewed from the inside out. The grace that you receive and with which you cooperate will multiply and reach others without you even trying. Isn’t our Christian mission wonderful?

Find out more about the sacraments here