Tag: "free will"

What Does Christian Marriage Guarantee?
0

What Does Christian Marriage Guarantee?

by

A friend of mine recently asked: “What graces are promised in sacramental marriage? Is the guarantee and promise something that we give or something we expect to get?” The answer is: The grace to do the work of marriage is promised to a baptized man and woman who unite in matrimony. What they do with that grace is […]

The Mercy of God, Not the Merit of Man
20

The Mercy of God, Not the Merit of Man

by

The matter of grace is a real puzzle. There is obviously tension between the freedom of man and the providence of God, both of which are affirmed by the church. Right from the start, let me state that I do not think this enigma is fully solvable. Our minds are unfit to comprehend the interaction […]

Work and Prayer: Of Coins, Sheep, and Men
3

Work and Prayer: Of Coins, Sheep, and Men

by

One of the most famous stories from the Bible is that of “The Prodigal Son,” a tale that has resonated with parents across times and cultures. The basic plot of the story is straightforward: a rebellious youth sets off from home in search of worldly pleasures, and having wasted his father’s money and reputation, eventually […]

Free Will: Candy has Consequences
3

Free Will: Candy has Consequences

by

For years, I guarded the kids’ Easter baskets like the soldiers outside of Christ’s tomb. I’d monitor them vigilantly – if I could have rolled a stone in front of them, I would have. I wanted the children to make the contents last and to really appreciate the treats inside rather than just wolfing them […]