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. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. (Ephesians 2:8–10 NABRE).
Today’s first reading in the Mass is Ephesians 2:1–10. In this passage St. Paul powerfully describes how once we were dead in transgressions and sins, and in following the ruler of this world we were children of wrath. But God, who is rich in mercy and who loves us so much, brought us to life with Christ through grace and has saved us.
The final three verses of the passage quoted above reminds us that by grace we have been saved through faith, but not by what we have done, it is through the gift of God, so that we cannot boast.
We are his handiwork. We are created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God had prepared in advance for us to participate in. Our good deeds are free acts of love and gratitude. This is good news! This is the gospel! Thanks be to God!
Caritas in Veritate 