Grace and Justification

In this blog post I will be connecting articles of the Catechism to the short story, The River. In 1987, it tells us the grace of the Holy Spirit has the right to cleanse us from sins and save us through baptism. In the short story, Harry goes to the river so that he may baptize himself and be cleansed from his sins.

In 1988, it states that through the power of the Holy Spirit and similar to Christ our sinful selves die and we are resurrected to new life. In the story, Harry goes to baptize himself and dies. Through this action we see Harry leave the sinful world to be resurrected and have new life.

In 1989, the catechism says that the first work of grace is conversion. Harry’s life was confusing before he met Mrs. Connin. She took him to a preacher and Harry was baptized this led to Harry’s conversion.

In 1990, the article states that justification helps separate man from sin and purifies his heart. Baptism could be considered a form of justification and it help save Harry from sin.

In 1991, Justification is also seen as the acceptance of God’s righteousness. Harry accepted God’s righteousness when he wanted to baptize himself near the end of the story.

In 1992, Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ. It is also conferred through baptism. Harry mirrored Jesus because he was baptized, his family was suffering because of sin and Harry died because he tried to save his family from this sin.

In 1993, Justification connects God’s grace with man’s freedom. Through God’s grace Harry was baptized and he became free of his family’s sins when he died.

In 1994, Justification is the work of God’s love manifested in Christ and granted by the Holy Spirit. Harry’s actions were because he wanted to save his family from sin and because of this he has done something that was greater than the creation of heaven and earth because these thing will pass but Harry saving his family will not.

In 1995, it states that the Holy Spirit is the master of interior life. Harry was inspired by the Holy Spirit to baptize himself and save his family. This shows that Harry became a new sanctified person.

In 1996, Grace is called favor. Favor is free and undeserved help that God gives us so we can become his children. Mrs. Connin was sent as a sign of grace to Harry so that he could get help and in return help his family.

In 1997, Grace is a participation in the life of God. Harry was baptized so he participated in Jesus’s life. Baptism in this story was a sign of grace.

In 1998, Vocation to eternal life is supernatural. It surpasses human intellect and will and depends on God. At the end of the story when Harry dies, it was God’s choice to keep him alive or not. Only God could control the river in which Harry baptized himself.

In 1999, it calls the grace of Christ a gift that God makes to us and it is infused with the Holy Spirit so that we maybe sanctified. When Harry was baptized he received this gift of grace and was sanctified.

In 2000, they explain the two types of grace. Sanctifying grace, which is a habitual gift that perfects a person soul so they may live with God. Habitual grace refers to God’s interventions so that people may live and act in keeping with God’s call. When his was baptized Harry received sanctifying grace. After his baptism he had habitual grace, which was shown through his action of having a second baptism.

In 2001, being prepared to receive grace is having grace because God is bringing to completion what he has begun. Harry was already on the track of becoming baptized since he had met Mrs. Connin. She was his preparation to receive grace.

In 2002, God’s has a free initiative that demands a free response from man. God created man in his image so that people can know and love him if they choose. He also gives man a longing for things only He can satisfy. Harry freely accepted to be baptized because he long for what the results of baptism would bring him.

In 2003, Grace is a gift but it also includes gifts from the Holy Spirit that grant us to associate with his work and help others join the body of Christ. Mrs. Connin had these gifts because she led Harry to be baptism and join the Body of Christ. 

In 2004, it says there are special graces called the graces of state that are with the exercise of the responsibilities of Christian life. Mrs. Connin receive the grace to lead others to God. Harry received the grace to help others.

In 2005, it say grace escapes our experience and it cannot be know unless we have faith. Harry being baptized didn’t justify that he was saved. Once he had faith he could see God’s grace around him.