On Ash Wednesday, we began Lent, and the Lord commanded us to keep our works of mercy secret (Mt 6:4). At Easter Vigil, we begin the Easter season, and the Lord through the Church will ask us whether we reject all of Satan's works.

Works are important. Although we are not saved because of them (Eph 2:8-9), "faith without works is dead" (Jas 2:26). We will accept or hate the light of Christ depending on our works, for those doing good works will want the light to manifest them while those doing bad works will not want them exposed to the light (Jn 3:19-21).

We not only do good works; we are God's good work (Eph 2:10). We have been created anew "in Christ Jesus for the good works" (Eph 2:10, RNAB). Our good works are so important that God Himself has prepared them even before He created us (Eph 2:10). We are not only to do good works but to live in them (Eph 2:10). Good works are the very atmosphere in which we live.

If we die in Christ, our good works will accompany us (Rv 14:13). God promises that He will not forget our works and the love shown Him by our service to His people (Heb 6:10). On Judgment Day, the Lord will judge us based on our faith and love, as expressed in our works (Mt 25:31ff). Therefore, "let us not grow weary of doing good; if we do not relax our efforts, in due time we shall reap our harvest. While we have the opportunity, let us do good" works (Gal 6:9-10).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, August 1, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 7, 2002